The EXCO of the eThekwini Municipality has expressed its dedication to tackling the issues highlighted by Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka during a special gathering at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban on Monday.
As part of the Public Protector's continuous efforts in strategic stakeholder engagement, this initiative aims to establish a strong cooperative structure designed to address pending issues and strengthen the current memorandum of understanding between the municipality and the Public Protector’s Office.
As Gcaleka delivered an extensive evaluation, it was disclosed that 29 official grievances had been filed against the municipality. These complaints brought attention to various issues such as charges of mismanagement, unjustified postponements, misuse of authority, inappropriate bias, and significant lapses in essential services provision.
"The office has recognized deep-seated problems requiring immediate focus. These concerns, highlighted by numerous complaints, indicate a significant decline in public confidence due to ongoing failures in service provision and inadequate administration. This gathering represents an essential move toward addressing these challenges with improved cooperation and strict enforcement of corrective measures," stated Gcaleka.
Following the Public Protector's evaluation, eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba stressed the council’s dedication to implementing prompt and firm measures.
Xaba praised the active participation and promised the council's complete support to tackle the concerns mentioned.
The mayor stated, "We will promptly organize a special meeting to thoroughly examine the current Memorandum of Understanding and create detailed action plans to tackle every recognized problem. This procedure will guarantee that the Public Protector’s inquiries are fast-tracked and that concrete, quantifiable enhancements are put into effect without hesitation."
The City Manager, Musa Mbhele, reinforced the mayor's dedication, emphasizing that the issues highlighted by the Public Protector are being addressed with seriousness.
"We are actively implementing strategic plans to rectify these deficiencies. Crucially, the proposed new municipal organogram will establish a dedicated office to manage and promptly address all concerns raised by Chapter 9 institutions, including the Human Rights Commission and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
This will ensure a smooth, efficient, and open procedure for addressing all grievances and questions. The Municipality recognizes the critical necessity of rebuilding public trust and commits to making this interaction the start of an ongoing and thorough initiative to provide responsible, efficient, and effective governance,” stated Mbhele.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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