Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, the Director-General of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, has resigned from her position with immediate effect.

This comes after KwaZulu-Natal High Court Judge John Olsen declined her December application for the separation of cases in relation to R37 million fraud and corruption allegations at the former Mhlathuze Water (MW). The case originated three years ago.

Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thamsanqa Ntuli expressed his conflicted emotions upon the departure of Mkhize.

“I have accepted Dr Mkhize’s resignation, but also with deep appreciation for her exemplary and dedicated service to the province of KwaZulu-Natal”, said Ntuli.

Dr Mkhize was the first female Director-General of KwaZulu-Natal. Ntuli said she has built a solid legacy that provided excellent leadership and good public service in the years she served.

In a statement, Ntuli added that Dr Mkhize’s “leadership has been instrumental in guiding the provincial administration through numerous complex and challenging periods, including the aftermath of the July 2021 civil unrest, the Covid-19 pandemic and our ongoing efforts to strengthen service delivery and governance”.

The former City of UMhlathuze municipal manager, Dr Nkosenye Zulu has been appointed to act in her position.

“Dr Zulu is a highly experienced and capable public servant, and I am confident that he will provide steady leadership and ensure continuity as we embark on this transition”, said Ntuli.

Last year, the High Court rejected Dr Mkhize’s application for her trial to be separate from those of her 16 co-accused in the UMhlathuze Water Board case. 

According to court papers, the accused face more than 280 counts of fraud, corruption, theft, money laundering, defeating the ends of justice and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). 

They are accused of making a series of dodgy payments to a law firm during their tenure at the UMhlathuze Water Board, between 2019 and 2021.