MEC deploys technical expert to Endumeni over budget impasse

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has invoked Section 154 of the Constitution to deploy a technical expert to Endumeni Local Municipality amid challenges that have delayed the passing of the municipal budget.

Governance specialist Thando Manda has been appointed to provide technical support to the municipality and help resolve institutional and relationship challenges that have hampered the budget approval process.

The intervention is aimed at ensuring the budget is approved swiftly to maintain the municipality’s operational stability and prevent disruptions to service delivery.

Manda will work alongside Endumeni Mayor AM Mkhize, the municipal manager and the municipal council.

He will also submit weekly progress reports to Buthelezi on the intervention.

Buthelezi said the provincial department remained committed to working with Endumeni’s political and administrative leadership to restore effective governance, improve institutional relations and ensure uninterrupted service delivery to residents.

The deployment is being made under Section 154 of the Constitution, which requires national and provincial governments to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs and exercise their powers and perform their functions.