Ethekwini mayor Cyril Xaba. Photo: City of eThekwini
With the embattled eThekwini Municipality leadership enduring intense grilling from MPs during a recent appearance before the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa), analysts say the ANC faces a difficult road ahead in the local government elections in November.
The eThekwini municipal council’s 222 seats are governed through a coalition, with the ANC — short of an outright majority — relying on support from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the National Freedom Party.
The municipality has come under scrutiny over audit outcomes, alleged corruption and escalating irregular expenditure.
During an appearance before Scopa earlier this month, executive mayor Cyril Xaba, city manager Musa Mbhele and chief financial officer Dr Sandile Mnguni fielded tough questions about R6.4 billion in irregular expenditure accumulated over two financial years, controversial contracts, administrative failures and unread water and electricity meters that contributed to a 53% non-revenue water loss.
