DA Takes Legal Action Against eThekwini Metro’s Plan To Hike Salaries, Pay R1 Billion Bonuses To Staff

SANDILE MOTHA

THE MOVE to grant salary adjustments and performance bonuses to the tune of R1 billion to councillors, senior managers and staff at eThekwini Metro is now being challenged in court.

The Democratic Alliance, the official opposition in the biggest municipality in KwaZulu Natal, is seeking court intervention, saying the 2020/21 budget did not fulfil public participation requirements.

Last week in a virtual meeting, the eThekwini Council approved the R 53. 3 billion budget.

Of the amount, R6.9 billion is set aside for capital budget while R45.4 billion is reserved for operating budget.

Now, the DA says this move must be overturned and the council sitting be reconvened.

“Yes, I can confirm that we have served court papers on eThekwini Municipality. The matter stems from the 29 May budget meeting and we believe that the process to approve the budget was illegal and flawed,” Nicole Graham, party caucus leader