/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has raised its concerns about the recent
performance awards and bonuses given to municipal officials given the many
service delivery protests across the province.

"Communities across our province have been protesting, often violently due
to poor service delivery. Many municipalities have been placed under
administration because officials have failed to deliver services to our
people, yet we see COGTA in KwaZulu-Natal proudly presenting service
delivery awards and bonuses to municipal officials. Municipal officials are
public servants who are paid to do their work, therefore there is no reason
for bonuses to be paid using tax payer's money. If these municipalities are
performing well and providing services to their communities, people would
not be protesting", said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala
MPL.

"Municipalities that do not receive clean audits should never qualify for
any awards. How can one justify performance bonuses to underperforming
officials and award municipalities that do not fulfil their
responsibilities? These performance awards at lavish functions are a waste
of tax payer's money that could be put to better use in improving the lives
of our people. We will be raising this wasteful expenditure in the KZN
Legislature and call MEC Dube-Ncube to account," continued Mr Gwala.

"We demand that municipal managers who receive qualified audits do not
receive bonuses or salary increases. By paying them, the government is
rewarding their failure," concluded Mr Gwala.

Issued by IFP