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The DA in Msunduzi has written to the Ministerial Representative, Martin Sithole and the Municipal Manager, Lulamile Mapholoba to request an urgent update on a municipal property that was previously zoned recreational in terms of it being utilized historically as a Caravan Park in Hayfields ( view letter here) .

This as the DA has reliably learnt that this property is being leased out to the Municipal Speaker.

We want answers on how this councillor was allocated this property to lease, and through what process in terms of the relevant legislation was this approved?

This property is one of the municipality’s assets, and has had many proposed developments earmarked over the years.

During a Finance Portfolio Committee last year, the DA had proposed an oversight at the said property due to many irregularities that had developed on site. The following resolutions were made and the following transpired post the resolutions in Financial Portfolio Committee:

- That the said Municipal Asset (Property 50 Cleland Rd, Hayfields) would be Investigated through a committee oversight;

- A report on Housing Stock Rental tenants was submitted to the Committee showing that the said Property (50 Cleland Rd) was being leased by Councillor Eunice Majola (Speaker);

- In terms of the zoning, and the description of this property, this irregularity must be Investigated as it has not been approved by Council council process to be rezoned; and

- In terms of the Gazzette on Upper Limits Regulations for Councillors in terms of the relevant grades of Municipalities, with reference to Msunduzi Municipality, only the Mayor has a housing allowance.

It is a blatant disregard of processes, a blatant misuse of state property, and mismanagement of taxpayers’ money.

Whilst the people of this City are desperate for housing, our leadership within Msunduzi abuses and disregards our own laws, which we are entrusted with and swore to protect.

This must be dealt with immediately, and those responsible for this flagrant disregard of our laws must be held accountable.

Issued by Councillor Ross Strachan - DA Msunduzi Caucus Leader