KZN COGTA welcomes Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling

KZN - The KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department has welcomed a high court ruling that affirms the provincial government's decision to place the uMkhanyakude District Municipality under administration.

In a media statement, KZN COGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi applauded the Pietermaritzburg High Court for upholding the rule of law.

The municipality had sought an interdict to prevent the provincial executive council from intervening in its affairs under section 139 1(b) of the constitution—but the court denied the request.

The ruling effectively re-establishes the authority of Bamba Ndwandwe, who was appointed as the administrator to oversee the municipality' operations.

The court's decision is temporary—as a final judgement on the municipality's application to set aside the intervention is still reserved.

However, the administration remains in effect until that judgement is delivered.

Spokesperson for the cooperative governance and traditional affairs department Senzelwe Mzila says MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has welcomed the ruling.

“The court further ordered the municipal manager to submit the payroll to Mr. Ndwandwe so that the administrator can process the July salaries for municipal employees.” said Mzila.

The MEC has also called on the mayor of uMkhanyakude to ensure the municipality's gates are opened to restore normal services.