NGCOBO, Eastern Cape — A wave of protests has brought the small rural town of Ngcobo to a standstill, with residents demanding the immediate removal of Khathutshelo Mulaudzi, the municipal manager of the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality. The demonstrations, spearheaded by the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation, center on severe allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and a continuous decline in basic service delivery since his appointment.
A spokesperson for the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation led a march calling for Mulaudzi’s dismissal, accusing him of placing the municipality on a downward spiral since he was hired in 2021. The representative highlighted that the town remains dirty, roads are left unconstructed, and essential services are failing to reach the community. Furthermore, the organization alleges that the municipal manager has consistently awarded tenders to outside companies and has victimized municipal employees over the past five years.
Elaborating on the claims of maladministration, the civic spokesperson accused the accounting officer of disregarding legal procedures, collective agreements, and lawful protocols regarding suspensions and dismissals. According to the organization, whistleblowers who attempt to expose financial misconduct or procedural violations are systematically silenced through suspension. The representative also noted recent incidents where contractors were paid for incomplete work, adding that a construction crew recently abandoned a local building project because the municipality failed to pay them.
In response to the mounting public pressure, a municipal spokesperson acknowledged receipt of the residents’ grievances and conceded that the ongoing instability within the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has negatively impacted service delivery. However, the spokesperson defended the administration’s track record, stating that similar allegations had previously been referred to appropriate oversight and investigative bodies, which ultimately did not substantiate the claims.
The municipal spokesperson further emphasized that the local government has cooperated fully with the Office of the Public Protector. All requested information has been submitted, and the municipality is currently awaiting the outcome of the Public Protector’s official report before taking any further administrative action.
Despite the municipality’s statements, the concerned residents and the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation have vowed to maintain pressure on local leadership. The protesters remain resolute in their demand for accountability, promising to continue their demonstrations until their grievances are formally addressed and resolved.
