KwaZulu-Natal Cogta MP Thulasizwe Buthelezi introduces the Section 154 team which will enforce regulations on troubled municipalities, including eThekwini Municipality. (Jabulani Langa/City Press)
- The provincial government's application of section 154 in eThekwini metro has been back on the agenda.
- Two experienced civil servants will assist in running the municipality.
- ANC lawmakers blocked the team last year but the IFP-led Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Committee is now driving the process.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has finally introduced section 154 teams to enforce regulations on troubled municipalities, including eThekwini Municipality.
Article 154 allows the national government to “assist and strengthen” local governments' administrative and functional capabilities.
The Article 154 Intervention is led by Michael Sutcliffe and Cassius Rubisi.
ANC councillors blocked the process last year, with an insider telling News24 at the time: “The announcement came as a surprise. The city had already received support from the Department of Water and Sanitation but this was not announced. You have to ask yourself why this was announced when no other government support has been announced.”
Cogta is currently under the control of the IFP through a Government of National Unity (GNU) arrangement.
READ | Some eThekwini MPs question Section 154 'announcement'
Addressing an executive committee meeting on Thursday, Buthelezi told lawmakers: “Our aim is to restore eThekwini to its former status as the crown jewel of KwaZulu-Natal.”
Buthelezi said the move underscored the seventh administration's commitment to clean governance and accelerated service delivery.
According to Buthelezi, “strategic support” under Article 154 includes:
- Building clean, effective, efficient, responsive and accountable local government.
- Implementing the findings of the investigation report.
- Addressing non-compliance with terms and conditions, including improper expenditure of grant funds allocated to various projects.
- Strengthen collaboration among communities, civil society, the business sector and other key players to restore public and investor confidence.
“The appointed team will submit monthly reports to the MEC and will operate for 12 months from 1 July 2024,” Buthelezi's office said.
