XPRESS TIMES

Ilembe tables draft budget, IDP review

are underway to augment these challenges, additional support to manage nonrevenue water will be prioritized through the Vuthela LED Programme.

Budget highlights

The 2023/24 draft budget overall operational revenue budget amounts to R1, 475 billion, and allocated grants at R377 million

Draft tariff of charges proposed to be increased by 9.5% effective from 1 July 2023

In the same meeting, Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC)

Chairperson Councillor

Jennifer Vallan tabled the oversight report on the 2021/22 Annual Report for adoption and reported that there were no submissions received from the individual members of the public on the Annual Report iLembe District Municipality and that of its Entity (Enterprise iLembe.

In a sitting of council held at the iLembe Auditorium on 29 March 2023, Ilembe District Mayor Councillor Thobani Shandu tabled the 2023/24 draft Integrated and Development Plan review and the draft Budget for

adoption.

Mayor Shandu reported that the 2022 2027 IDP has obtained an overall credibility rating of 86.97%.

“The IDP was ranked number seven in the province and was acknowledged for

being in top 10 for 12 years running,” he said.

Revenue loss, ageing infrastructure and nonrevenue water were revealed as the top three challenges informing the IDP review.

“While existing projects

Council adopted both the draft budget and IDP, which will be taken to the public for comments in consultative processes to be conducted during April and May 2023. The draft budget will also be published in the local press and municipal website for comments.

Submissions were however, received from political parties and interest groups including the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance, ActionSA, the Human Rights Association, internal audit and the office of the AuditorGeneral.

“We urge the accounting

officer to expedite the filling of vacancies budgeted for on the organogram. This was raised by the AuditorGeneral and is a repeat finding. Priority must be given to compliance, service delivery positions and revenue enhancement. It is not acceptable that the position of accountant revenue remains vacant and yet the revenue section is not yielding positive results in terms of debt collection and revenue enhancement,” said Vallan.

The chairperson commended the municipality for not having new cases of unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.

“It is concerning that the municipality has to deal with matters of non-compliance stemming from previous financial years,” she said.

Council adopted the oversight report on the annual report. Other items on the agenda included the 2022/23 adjusted Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan and the 2023/24 draft SDBIP that were also adopted and approved by Council.

Mall robbery suspects shot dead

Two suspects linked to a brazen robbery at an outlet in KwaDukuza Mall have been shot dead. Information received suggests that five armed men were involved in the robbery on Wednesday last week, who then fled in their getaway vehicle. Subsequent pursuit by police and security companies led to the suspects being traced to Verulam, after they had allegedly changed their vehicle. In the resulting confirmation, two of the suspects were shot dead, while three managed to escape.

No further information is available at this stage, and police are investigating.

Ilembe District Mayor, Cllr Thobani Shandu

Ilembe District's MPAC Chairperson, Cllr Jennifer Vallan

By Musa Mnyandu

Alife well lived. This phrase encapsulates the life of the late

Deputy Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, Cllr Thulani Vusi “Mbazo” Ntuli, who will be laid to rest tomorrow, after collapsing to his death on Wednesday last week.

A towering figure in the local political and social circles, Deputy Mayor Ntuli, affectionately known as Cde Mbazo, was loved and admired by people from all walks of life, and across the political divide. His gargantuan and well recorded charitable endeavours ingratiated in many sectors of society, easily making him one of the most recognizable and admired leaders in Ilembe District, and beyond.

At the time of his death, Ntuli was the Deputy Mayor of KwaDukuza, chairing the portfolio committee on Infrastructure and Technical Services. He was also the longest serving Regional Treasurer of the ANC in the General Gizenga Mpanza Region (GGMR). Just before collapsing on Wednesday, while n his way to the bank opposite the KDM Civic Buildings, he had joined his fellow councillors on an official Council engagement, and was about to go into the Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting.

Efforts by paramedics and other first responders to save his life drew a blank, as Cde Mbazo simply made his transition to the other realm (upon arrival at the local hospital), leaving many people in KwaDukuza numb with shock.

While there has been much speculation regarding the cause of Mbazo's untimely

death, with many putting it down to a possible heart attack, the ANC in the Region has cautioned against pre-empting the findings of the postmortem.

The ANC has also recalled how Ntuli came to settle in KwaDukuza, although he was born in Empangeni, on the North Coast.

“Ntuli was born at Esgisi, Ngwelezane area, in Empangeni, on the KwaZuluNatal North Coast, on the 3rd of September 1974. The area was engulfed by political violence perpetrated by Inkatha vigilantes supported by Apartheid security police. Due to his family's political activism, his homestead was attacked and he lost both his parents while his homestead was reduced to ashes. In 1986 he escaped death and went to exile in Lusaka, Zambia, where he joined Umkhonto WeSizwe, a military wing of the ANC. He received advanced military and political training and joined the Butterfly Unit (Uvemvane).

“He came back to South Africa in 1988 and settled in the homestead of General Gizenga Mpanza, where he spent his time receiving political education and executing internal operations as mandated by the organisation. He was very active in building ANC structures when political parties were unbanned in 1990. He belonged to the first

ever branch formed in the country post unbanning, KwaDukuza ANC branch. He was elected into various positions in the ANC ranks, which include branch and region. His unquestionable and unique skills in financial management were noticeable. As a result, he was elected as Regional Treasurer at five (5) consecutive conferences,” stated ANC GGMR.

Deeply saddened

Meanwhile, ANC KZN Provincial Secretary Bheki Mtolo said the party in the entire province was “deeply saddened” by the untimely death of Cde Mbazo. He said his

death would be felt by the ANC and society at large.

“Cde Thulani (worked tirelessly) for the ANC. He was always available for deployment to ensure that this great organisation improves the lives of residents in the region. He was a community activist and deeply rooted in the community, making him a reliable leader who represented the interests of marginalized communities, especially in the townships and in rural areas.

“He was a young leader with a great future ahead. His sense of courage and the ability to represent the interests of ordinary members of society earned him respect from his comrades and leaders of other political parties,” Mtolo said.

The ANC in the province has also noted the work done by the late Ntuli, along with Mayor Lindile Nhaca, in accelerating service delivery across KwaDukuza municipal area, particularly in the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2022.

“It is a matter of great pain that the movement has lost such a Continued on Page 2

The late KwaDukuza Deputy Mayor, Thulani Mbazo Ntuli. Photo: Musa Mnyandu

ANC cautions against preempting post mortem

Senior traffic cop hit by car

Continued from Page 1 humble servant of the people whose commitment towards the organization remained firm until his last days.

“On behalf of the African

a community member, back in 2016

National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal, we would like convey our sincere and deepest condolences to his family following such a profound loss,” Mtolo stated.

The late Deputy Mayor

will be laid to rest tomorrow th (Thursday, 06 April 2023, at Esgisi in Ngwelezane, following a memorial service that will be held this afternoon (15:00) at Thembeni sportsfield.

A senior traffic officer sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car By Xpress Reporter

A traffic officer was rushed to hospital with serious injuries yesterday (Tuesday), after being struck by a vehicle in Shakaskraal. IPSS Medical Rescue stated that, according to indications on the scene, the traffic officer

was approaching a suspicious vehicle, which had been stopped by officers, when another vehicle struck him while attempting to avoid the stationary vehicle.

“The traffic officer sustained serious injuries and after being stabilised on

scene was transported to an appropriate facility under the care of an IPSS Advanced Life Support paramedic,” stated IPSS Medical Rescue. The identity of the injured officer, whilst known to Xpress Times, has been withheld.

KDM receives R1,2 billion disaster grant funding

National Treasury has agreed to grant KwaDukuza Municipality, through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) R1.2 billion that the municipality had applied for to repair the damages caused by floods.

This was announced by Mayor Lindile Nhaca during a

recent Council meeting. Nhaca, while tabling the draft Budget for the 2023/23 financial year, pointed out that this disaster grant funding would only be considered in term of budgetary processes wince it reflected in the municipality's accounts.

“The impact of this addition will not just be limited to the

capital budget as the municipality will need to also account for the interest revenue, additional deprecation, and other operational impacts of these funds. The funds will be disbursed under the auspice of a Task Team that will work around the clock to ensure that it delivers quality project

outputs on time. In addition, we will be undertaking oversight visits to all project sites on fourth-nightly bases,” Nhaca said.

The Mayor also used the occasion to confirm to Council that the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) had officially resumed collecting

toll fees on Umvoti and uThongathi toll plazas, following the suspension of fees due to the floods. Nhaca had earlier argued against the resumption of toll fee payments, which led to a further two months suspension.

“The government of KwaZulu Natal heard our

plight and considered suspending the payment of tariffs for a period of two months, and this gave our people much-needed relief whilst SANRAL attended to critical infrastructure. I wish to applaud all members of this council for supporting this argument and its subsequent outcomes,” Nhaca said.

Valid

Valid

Valid till 13 April 2023

Thulani Ntuli (left), together with the late former Mayor Ricardo Mthembu, and other ANC activists are seen giving dignity to

Opposition parties pay tribute to Cde Mbazo

also served with Cllr Ntuli on the portfolio committee on Infrastructure and Technical Services, said Ntuli's untimely passing had left many people in great shock.

“He will no doubt leave a tangible void as the chair of our portfolio committee. Among his many antics and quips, I'll never forget him casting his signature dimpled smile towards the house and reminding us to pray always.

Lala kahle Mphemba,” Cllr Makhan stated.

National Congress, we wishing you courage and peace in this time of mourning. May his soul rest in peace,” stated IFP KwaDukuza.

Paying its tribute, ActionSA

KwaDukuza, through its Caucus Leader Cllr Nel Sewraj, said Ntuli was a “good natured” and “pleasant-spirited human being”.

By Xpress Reporter

Opposition political parties in KwaDukuza have taken the time to pay tributes to the late KwaDukuza Deputy Mayor, Thulani Mbazo Ntuli, who died suddenly last week. Ntuli collapsed outside the municipal buildings, and was declared deceased on arrival at hospital.

The DA Whip in KwaDukuza Council, Cllr Privi Makhan, who

The IFP KwaDukuza constituency also issued a statement, describing the late Ntuli as an “honest man”.

“Words cannot express how saddened we are of his passing; he was an honest man who loved his job always willing to listen regardless of which political party you came from. We extend our hands of comfort to his family, friends, colleagues, all councillors and the African

“Despite all his achievements, he maintained a spirit of humility. He didn't think himself to be better than others. There was no pride in his heart or arrogant in his demeanour. We knew him to be a meek and modest man. As a politician, Ntuli exhibited immense wisdom and never failed to maintain a level-headed disposition.

“During many tense council debates and standoffs, Ntuli demonstrated an uncanny ability to pacify disgruntled parties and broker peace among councillors. We will miss him. ActionSA offers heartfelt condolences to the Ntuli family, and friends and associates of 'Mbazo'. We pray for their peace and strength in this difficult hour,” Sewraj said.

Unidentified bodies at local SAPS

KwaDukuza SAPS are appealing to members of the public with the identification of unidentified bodies.

• An unknown black male, found afloat in the Umvoti River at Nkukhwini area. Body was found on 27 October 2022. The deceased was wearing a black t-shirt and green pants.

• An unknown black male was found floating in Umvoti River, in

October 2022. The deceased was wearing black shorts and a dark coloured t-shirt, and he was estimated at 20-years-old.

• The body of an unknown black male, found on 19 September 2022, on the side of the R102 in Ntshawini, at about 02:00am. The victim was rushed to KwaDukuza Clinic, but passed away. He was clad in light brown pants and a maroon short sleeved t-shirt.

• On Tuesday, 18 October 2022, a human skeleton was found in a cane field, in Kearsney. A blue and red rain jacket and a floral bedding comforter were found on the scene.

If anyone has information regarding the above cases, please contact KwaDukuza SAPS on (032) 551-8200, or contact SAPS Crime Stop on (08600) 10111.

By

Reporter

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Ilembe Constituency has welcomed the overwhelming victory by the party's Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, who was reelected at the weekend,

trouncing aspirant Dr Mpho Phalatse by a huge margin.

The party's elective congress took place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, over two days. DA Ilembe Deputy Chairperson Krsna Sing said the mood at the congress

brought a sense of hope as the party gears up for the 2024 general elections.

The congress also saw DA KwaZulu-Natal walking away with the Best Performing Province Award for 2021.

Local Temple observes

Ram Naumi

Ram Naumi was observed on Thursday last week at the Shree Hanuman Temple in Stanger Manor. “May we all rise and shine following the path of righteousness uplifting our community towards spiritual progress and happiness,” said Madhun Sobram Sing. Pictured are Ajen Singh, Bikrum Singh and Madhun Sobram Sing at the Shree Hanuman Temple.

Rodgers shows support for Ilembe Constituency

The Democratic Alliance in the Ilembe Region kicked off the road to the 2024 National and Provincial elections, by hosting a hugely successful fundraising Business Breakfast on the 24th of March 2023.

The event was facilitated by Ward 22 Cllr and Chief Whip of the DA Caucus in KwaDukuza, Privi Makhan. Keynote speakers, including Umgeni Local Municipality

Mayor Chris Pappas and Provincial Leader Francois Rodgers, instilled hope and

provided a clear vision for what the political landscape in KZN will look like in 2024.

The DA believes that with the right partnerships, they will be able to emulate local governments like Mooi Umgeni Local Municipality and provincial governments such as the Western Cape, across the country.

“The success of any organization is dependent on the support of community and partners,” the DA said.

Pictured with re-elected DA Leader John Steenhuisen (centre) are (L to R) DA Ilembe councillors, Krsna Sing, Kuban Naicker, Kathleen Naidoo and Nerish Singh

Xpress

Pictured at the Business Break are (l to R) Umgeni Local Municipality

Deputy Mayor Sandile Mnikathi, DA KwaDukuza Caucus Leader Tammy Colley, DA KwaDukuza Whip Privi Makhan, Umgeni Local Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas, DA KZN MPL Elma Rabe, Constituency Support Officer Thokomele Zungu, DA Provincial Leader Francois Rodgers and DA Ilembe Constituency Chairperson Kathleen Naidoo

North Coast Primary visits Luthuli Museum

TOUR: Just over 100 Grade 4 learners from North Coast Primary visited Luthuli Museum recently no an educational tour. The learners got an opportunity to learn more about the Museum, the Heritage Site and the legacy of Chief Albert Luthuli. Pictured are some of the learners sharing a moment with Luthuli Museum's Heritage Educator Thulani Thusi.

Meaty sponsorship for Mbozamo Primary

Mbozamo Primary School has expressed its gratitude to Meaty Meat Market for sponsoring refreshments as the school hosted a function to bid farewell to food handlers, and also enjoyed lunch with vulnerable, orphans and learners from childheaded households. Seen is Principal Mr B Mchunu together with a representative of Meaty Meat

2 Croton Place, Old New Guelderland Rd, Stanger (ex-Design 3 building, opposite Jacksons) 032 551 1470 zaffs@telkomsa.net

ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ILEMBE - UMASIPALA WESIFUNDA

PUBLIC NOTICE

FINANCIAL 2021/2022 ANNUAL REPORT AND OVERSIGHT REPORT NOTICE OF ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Notice is hereby given:

1. That in terms of section 121 (1) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, The council of the municipality must within nine months after the end of a financial year deal with the annual report of the municipality and;

Section 129 (3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, states that the accounting officer must in accordance with section 21 (A) of the Municipal Systems Act make public oversight report referred to in submission (I) within seven days of its adoption.

Copies of the above documents can be viewed at the Municipal Offices: iLembe House. The documents may also be accessed through the municipal website at: www.ilembe.gov.za.

ISAZISO SOMPHAKATHI

UNYAKAMALI 2021/2022 UMBIKO WEZIMALI KANYE

NOKULAWULA KWESAZISO SE-ILEMBE UMASIPALA WESIFUNDA

Ummbiko ukhishwe kanje:

1. Ngokulawula kwesigaba 121 kusigatshana (1) somthetho we Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Umkhandlu kaMasipala kufanele zingakapheli izinyanga ezisishiyagalolunye ukhiphe ummbiko omayelana nokulawulwa kwezimali, futhi;

Isigatshana 129 kusigatshana (3) somthetho kahulumeni wezindawo, I Finance Management Act 56 ka 2003, ubalula ngokuthi umphathi kamasipala kufanele ngokulandela isigaba 21 isigatshana (A) kumthetho wokusebenza kukaMasipala (Municipal Systems Act, benze umbiko wokuphathwa kwezimali ngokuhambisana nesigatshana (I) zingakapheli izinsuku eziyisikhombisa zokwemukelwa kwawo.

Izishicilelo zalemiqulu yezimali ingabukwa noma itholakale emahhovisini omkhandlu weLembe, iLembe House Offices, futhi ingatholakala kusizindalwebu somkhandlu esilandelayo: www.ilembe.gov.za .

ILEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ILEMBE - UMASIPALA WESIFUNDA

PUBLIC NOTICE

1. AMENDMENTS OF THE 2022/2023 TOP LAYER SERVICE DELIVERY AND BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SDBIP) AND PERFORMANCE PLANS

Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 54 (1)(c) of the Municipal Financial Management Act, that the Municipal Council has adopted the adjusted Top Layer Service Delivery and Budget th Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and Performance Plans for 2022/2023 on 29 March 2023 for the remainder of the financial year.

2. TABLING OF THE FIRST DRAFT 2023/2024 TOP LAYER SERVICE DELIVERY AND BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (SDBIP) AND PERFORMANCE PLANS

The National Treasury MFMA Circular 98, outlines the budget processes which includes the submission of the First Draft SDBIP for the 2023/2024 financial year. The 2023/2024 First Draft th Top Layer SDBIP and Performance Plans was tabled at a Council meeting held on 29 March 2023.

Copies of the above documents can be viewed at the Municipal Offices: iLembe House. The documents may also be accessed through the municipal website at: www.ilembe.gov.za Persons who are unable to read or write may come to the PMS Office where the staff members will provide assistance.

If there are any queries please contact Manager: PMS on 032 437 9352 during normal office hours from Monday to Friday.

SD MBHELE MUNICIPAL MANAGER

ISAZISO SOMPHAKATHI

1. Isichibiyelo sohlahlo lokwabiwa kwezimali zonyaka ka2022/2023 sohlelo oluphezulu lokulethwa kwezidingo nqangi (SDBIP) kanye nohlelo lwezinga lokusebenza.

Isaziso sikhishwa njengokulawula komthetho wesigatshana (section 54 (1) (c)) ngokomthetho olawula ukusetshenziswa kwezimali koMasipala (Municipal Finance Management Act) nokuthi uMkhandlu kaMasipala usulwamukele uhlelo lokuchibiyela uhlelo oluphezulu kanye nohlelo lwezinga lokusenza.

2. Ukwethulwa kohlaka lokuqala lonyaka ka 2023/2024 lohlelo oluphezulu lokulethwa kwezidingo nqangi (SDBIP) kanye nohlelo lwezinga lokusebenza.

Isaziso sikhishwe ngokulandela umqulu kaMgcinimafa kazwelonke (circular 98) olawula ngokuphathwa nokwenziwa kwesabelo mali sikamasipala (Budget) okufaka phakathi ukuthi omasipala kumele banikezele ngohlaka lokuqala lokwabiwa kwezimali zonyaka ka 2023/2024. Loluhlahlo - mali lonyaka ka 2023/2024 olusewuhlaka lohlelo oluphezulu lokulethwa kwezidingo nqangi (SDBIP) kanye nohlelo lwezinga lokusebenza.

Amakhophi emiqulu ayatholakala emahhovisi kamasipala: iLembe House. Imiqulu ingatholakala nakwi website kamasipala ku www.ilembe.gov.za

Uma kungaba khona imibuzo ungathinta umphathi: PMS Kule nombolo ethi: 032 437 9352 ngamahora ajwayelekile okusebenza kusukela ngo Msombuluko kuya kuLwesihlanu

Heights/KSST get ball rolling

Women power of KDAC

From L-R: Miriam Hoosen, Sabena Ishwarlal

Heights Volleyball Club and KSST got off with a bang winning the KwaDukuza Volleyball season off a tremendous start winning the traditional opening tournament of the 2023 season. Heights were made to pull off everything but eventually prevailed whilst KSST pulled off all stops to guarantee their victory.

In the semi-final, Heights had to come from a set down to defeat a determined Glenhills team. Treval and Kyle were in superb form as they continued to put points on the board for Glenhills ensuring they win the first set convincingly 25-11. There seemed to be a spanner in the works with favourites Height staring into the barrel of the gun.

Heights' manager Aslam Randeree during the cross over gave his team a tongue lashing for their poor efforts. This seemed to have done the trick. Heights came out with venom and ensured a place in the final winning the next two sets convincingly 25-19, 15-5.

The final between Heights and Cool Leaders began cautiously seeing both teams producing a series of unforced errors. Sandhir 'Tin Boy' Jugmohan and Sherwin rose to the occasion for Heights ensuring a 25-18 first set victory for Heights. This brought out the fire in the second set as Heights produced some scintillating power play

KwaDukuza Athletic Club (KDAC) participated in The Balwin Properties Marathon this past Sunday, April 2. The ladies performed exceptionally well with Miriam Hoosen completing the marathon in 1 hour 3 minutes while Sabena Ishwarlal clocked in a time of 1 hour 27 minutes. KDAC wishes to remind the community that membership is still open and there are still a few runners licences available. Anyone wishing to join KDAC may contact the Club President, Yathin Narothum on 0837893476 or call personally at Lighty Barbers Salon. with Cool Leaders responding. Cool Leaders pulled into the lead as they were determined to equal the sets and force the game into the final third set. However, Heights had their talisman up their sleeves as they introduced Neren 'Bob' Reddy who did not start the second set. Reddy immediately got game turned around as he produced three brilliant blocks. Heights went on and won the set and final 25-20. The setting by Liam produced the difference for Heights with excellent contributions from the rest.

Manager of Heights VC Aslam Randeree was ecstatic with his boys saying that to win 3 games in 2 nights was a great achievement especially because they hardly trained due to load shedding and rain.

In the female division KSST ladies dominated the game taking on bitter rivals H20 in the finals. KSST beat H20 25-15 and in the second set H20 put on a fight with KSST letting their guard down a little but finally ending the game at 27-25.

These teams put on a lovely performance with the crowd backing the teams right up till the end.

Meanwhile the KDVA league is set to get underway on April 27. Teams that are interested in joining the league are urged to contact Zarina Vasudavan on 079 133 9475.

Winners of the KDVA opening tournament Heights and KSST