KZN MEC removes Mandeni ward councillor over misconduct

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Cooperative Governance MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has removed African National Congress (ANC) Ward 11 councillor Lungile Mthembu from office under the Municipal Structures Act.

Following an investigation, the MEC found that Mthembu had committed several serious breaches of the councillors’ code of conduct.

The investigation was launched after a recording circulated on social media in July last year, in which Mthembu allegedly solicited a R100 000 bribe from a contractor who had been awarded a tender to tar a gravel road in the ward.

KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson Siboniso Mngandi says the alleged misconduct extended beyond the bribery incident.

Mngandi says Mthembu was given an opportunity to respond to the allegations but did not submit a response.

“The councillor was afforded an opportunity to respond to the allegations, but she elected not to submit a response. Having considered the investigator’s findings and the applicable provisions governing the councillor’s conduct, the MEC confirmed the removal from office with immediate effect. MEC Buthelezi has noted that serious misconduct by elected representatives undermines the integrity of local government. It also damages public confidence in municipal institutions.”