The Deputy Mayor of the corruption and scandals-prone Umswathi Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands has been reported to authorities after she allegedly applied for an administrative position within the same municipality.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the deputy mayor, Nokuthula Mdunge, who is a member of the African National Congress (ANC), first took part in the council process that restructured the organogram of the municipality and then created the dubious position of Manager for Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) – which she is now applying for.
The allegations are contained in an objection letter dated 3 March 2026, which was sent to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the province, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and the Speaker, Sbo Mbatha-Ntuli, amongst others.
It has been alleged that Mdunge has already been shortlisted for the position and stands to earn around R52,000 a month.
“The Deputy Mayor’s participation in internal recruitment – especially matters related to filling vacancies and reviewing the organogram – creates improper interference, disadvantages external applicants and members of the public, and undermines fair and transparent processes,” reads the objection that has been filed by one of the councillors in the municipality.
Furthermore, the opposing councillor, Mzwandile Majozi, said the Deputy Mayor’s involvement in a recruitment process while holding political office contravenes constitutional principles of ethical, accountable, and transparent public administration.
Majozi wants the shortlisting to be immediately withdrawn and declared irregular, and the recruitment process be suspended pending legal review.
“This objection is submitted to protect lawful governance, ethical leadership, and the integrity of public administration within uMshwathi Local Municipality. Failure to address this matter may result in legal challenges, governance instability, and reputational damage,” he added.
The Speaker said her office is not involved in the recruitment process, and it can only step in once the municipal manager fails to deal with the matter.
“The role of the Speaker is primarily to preside over Council meetings, ensure compliance with Council rules and orders, and facilitate oversight processes of Council. Therefore, operational matters relating to staff recruitment are not within the direct mandate of the Speaker’s Office.
Should there be any Council-related processes arising from the matter, they would be addressed through the appropriate Council structures in line with municipal governance procedures,” she said.
KZN CoGTA had not commented at the time this report was compiled.
