MEC must probe Ulundi’s use of public funds for IFP advertising

18 October 2017

The DA in KZN requested the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nomusa Dube Ncube, to probe the blatant misuse of public funds by Ulundi Municipality to promote the IFP.

This refers to the advertorial that appeared in Ilanga newspaper on Monday 16 October 2017, where the municipality bought almost a full page editorial space to advertise an IFP rally. The cost of such a space is approximately R35 000.

The advertorial, funded by the municipality, is a blatant glorification of the IFP. No mention is made of how the municipality will deliver services to the people. Instead the article praises the IFP over its recent by-election victory.

The DA will not tolerate the misappropriation of public funds for the benefit of a political party.

This irregular expenditure must be investigated and action must be taken against those who fail to respect the separation of power of a political party and government.

The DA stands for clean governance and we will continue to raise our voices wherever we see mismanagement of public funds and resources.

We trust that the MEC will urgently probe this matter and also ascertain if there were any more contributions made to the IFP by Ulundi municipality using public money.

The people of Ulundi deserve a government that will put their interests first. Officials should hang their heads in shame for using public money, meant for the delivery of services to  the poor, for political purposes.

Issued by Thomas Hadebe, DA Zululand West Constituency Head, 18 October 2017