ANC wants Buthelezi out over R14.6m tanker row
ANC KZN has called for the removal of CoGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi, accusing him of targeting ANC-led municipalities amid a dispute over uMkhanyakude’s R14.6 million water tanker purchase.
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has demanded the removal of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi over a dispute concerning a R14.6 million purchase of water tankers. The ANC claims Buthelezi is abusing his position to target ANC-led municipalities. The disagreement stems from uMkhanyakude District Municipality's proposal to buy five specialized water tankers through a 36-month installment agreement.
Buthelezi opposes the transaction, arguing that the municipality should not incur additional debt when the provincial government has already supplied five water tankers to address water shortages in the district. The ANC defends the purchase, stating that the municipality's decision to acquire a permanent fleet of water tankers is lawful and will enhance the municipality's long-term capacity to provide water.
The ANC accuses Buthelezi of turning the Cogta portfolio into a tool for political conflict, describing his tenure as "unreserved contempt." The party highlights the contrast between uMkhanyakude's decision and the provincial government's use of temporary water tankers in IFP-led municipalities. The ANC also criticizes Buthelezi's treatment of King Cetshwayo and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, both of which have acquired water tankers.
The ANC further alleges that Buthelezi forced entry into the Municipal Manager's office in uMdoni Local Municipality, further evidence of executive overreach. The ANC urges Premier Thami Ntuli to remove Buthelezi from Cogta, claiming his continued presence is detrimental to the Government of Provincial Unity's service delivery agenda.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
