Sihle Mavuso presents the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.
Pietermaritzburg – Nathi Mpungose, the chief director of traditional affairs in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), has been suspended. He faces allegations of corruption and poor management. Mpungose was given a chance to defend himself but chose not to respond.
Howick – The DA and Umngeni municipality criticised ActionSA’s Athol Trollip for blaming them for the pollution in the Umngeni River, which has caused water problems at Nagle Dam, leading to water cuts in parts of Durban. The DA says the responsibility for water and sanitation lies with the Umgungundlovu district, which is run by the ANC, accusing Trollip of playing politics.
Eshowe – Umlalazi municipality has shut down several food shops that failed to meet health and safety standards. Some were selling rotten meat and expired drinks, and trading without proper licences. Mayor Queen Xulu said more inspections will follow to ensure food safety.
Estcourt – Families of six Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party members who died in a car accident on their way to Nkandla will have to wait longer to bury their loved ones. Their bodies were badly burned, and DNA tests are needed to confirm their identities before the burials can proceed.
Nongoma – About 40,000 maidens are expected in Nongoma this weekend for this year’s Umkhosi Womhlanga (Zulu Reed Dance) at the Enyokeni royal palace. This is the second leg of the annual cultural ceremony. The first leg was held at the Machobeni royal palace near the South Africa-Eswatini border.
Pictured above: Nathi Mpungose has been suspended.
Source: KZN CoGTA
