By Sihle Mavuso
The speaker of the uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has been asked to launch an investigation into Deputy Mayor Nokuthula Mdunge over allegations that she helped create a senior municipal post which she later applied for and secured.
Speaker Sbo Mbatha-Ntuli received a joint motion from Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillors Thandaza Nxumalo and Mzwandile Majozi, who argued that the municipality risked legal embarrassment if it failed to act.
The councillors alleged that Mdunge, a member of the African National Congress (ANC), participated in a process to amend the municipality’s organogram, resulting in the creation of the position of Manager for Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), carrying a monthly salary of about R52,000.
Mdunge later applied for the position, was shortlisted despite objections, and was subsequently appointed, according to the motion.
The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the scandal-plagued municipality, with Majozi previously writing to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), urging it to intervene. It was not immediately clear whether the department had acted.
In the latest move, Nxumalo joined Majozi in calling for an investigation into what they described as an abuse of power and conflict of interest.
On May 18, 2026, the two councillors submitted a motion requesting that the matter be placed before council for formal consideration.
“The Deputy Mayor applied, and was shortlisted for a municipal administrative position within uMshwathi Local Municipality while still serving as a political office bearer,” the motion stated.
It further alleged that council deliberated on matters relating to vacancies and the review of the municipal organogram that directly affected the recruitment process, while Mdunge failed to disclose her personal interest or recuse herself from proceedings.
The councillors cited provisions of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Structures Act, arguing that councillors were required to act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of the municipality.
They also referenced Section 195 of the Constitution, which requires public administration to uphold professional ethics, transparency and accountability.
The motion calls for council to formally declare that Mdunge’s conduct constitutes a prima facie breach of the councillors’ code of conduct and for the speaker to institute disciplinary proceedings in terms of Schedule 7 of the Municipal Structures Act.
The councillors further demanded that Mdunge recuse herself from all matters relating to staffing, vacancies, organogram reviews and recruitment processes pending the outcome of the investigation.
They also called for the recruitment process linked to the IGR position to be suspended pending legal review “to protect fairness and public confidence”.
Should the allegations be confirmed, the councillors want the matter referred to KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi for further action.
Speaker Mbatha-Ntuli did not respond to requests for comment.
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