Durban — The Democratic Alliance in KwaDukuza Local Municipality has described the ANC-led council’s decision to splurge R1.1 million in an accommodation outside the municipality boundaries as outrageous.
The council has approved a R1.1 million budget to accommodate councillors and officials who will be attending the 4-day strategic meeting to review the mid-term goals for the council in the Drakensberg mountain. The ANC, using its majority in the council, turned down the DA’s proposal to hold the meeting locally which would have saved money for basic services.
In a statement issued by party caucus leader Privi Makhan, she said the DA in KwaDukuza has vehemently opposed the ANC’s decision calling it a holiday in the Drakensberg, masked as a mid-term lekgotla.
“It is simply unconscionable that R1.1 million that could have been used for services, will be used to fund this breakaway taking place from 21 January 2025. While we recognise the need for a review of the council's five-year strategic objective, we cannot agree with public funds being expended in this manner. The DA remains steadfast in our view that public funds must be used for the purpose of services to the people of KwaDukuza.” read the statement.
Makhan told the Daily News on Tuesday that there was absolutely no reason not to hold the conference in KwaDukuza which could have saved up to 50%, allowing the remaining funds to be channelled to much needed services for the people. She said her party found it odd that the ANC-led council saw nothing wrong with taking R1.1million out of KwaDukuza and benefiting an accommodation establishment under another municipality.
“We have many establishments here which could have been chosen. It was going to boost the local economy. As the DA we are not against holding the meeting but our problem is taking it outside KwaDukuza which would have saved a lot since there would be no need for the accommodation for anyone,” concludes Makhan.
The distance between KwaDukuza and the Drakensberg is around 300 km. The travelling costs are estimated at around R170 000. In addition to councillors and an undisclosed number of protection officers, 71 municipal officials are expected to attend the session.
However, the Whip of the Council, Humphrey Mbatha dismissed the DA’s concerns as cheap politics, accusing Makhan of grand standing.
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