Question NW1311 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
26 June 2018 - NW1311
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he has been informed of the alleged occupation by eThekwini municipal councillors of subsidised municipal flats that are meant for low-income earners; if so, what (a) number of municipal councillors are involved in the alleged illegal occupation, and (b) reasons have they given for their conduct. (2) Whether he has found that the conduct of the municipal councillors is legally justifiable; if not, what steps does he intend to take to rectify the matter; if so, what legal grounds does he rely upon?
Reply:
1. The Minister became aware of this matter when the Honourable Member posed this question to him.
On receipt of the question, the KwaZulu Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs was requested to facilitate a response from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (“the Municipality”).
The Municipality subsequently provided their responses below:
a) The Municipality has indicated that it has rental properties within the central region, accommodating eleven councillors. These councillors have entered ino a lease agreement with the Municipality.
b) The provision of accommodation was based on security concerns for the councillors and their families, and damages to their properties.
2. The MEC for local government in KwaZulu Natal Province is investigating whether the alleged occupation of subsidised municipal flats by the councillors constitute a breach of conduct. The outcome of this investigation will inform the steps to be taken to rectify the matter, if necessary.