KZN LEGISLATURE PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CALLS FOR THE EVICTION OF “HITMEN” OCCUPYING LEGISLATURE HOUSING UNITS IN ULUNDI.

21 February 2023

Media Statement

KZN LEGISLATURE PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CALLS FOR THE EVICTION OF “HITMEN” OCCUPYING LEGISLATURE HOUSING UNITS IN ULUNDI.

Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Public Works Portfolio Committee have called for the eviction of alleged hitmen who have taken over housing units and government flats at the old legislature complex in Ulundi, north of KwaZulu-Natal.

Portfolio Committee members heard how apartments that were built to house government employees and some houses built for the provincial government ministers have been hijacked by armed hitmen who are refusing to vacate the properties.

Provincial Public Works Department Head Mr Siboniso Majola told the committee which met at the KZN Legislature Complex today how he was intimidated by one of the alleged hitmen.

“I went to the old legislature complex in Ulundi to talk to some of the illegal occupants that they needed to vacate the flats. One of the illegal occupants pulled out two firearms, placed them on the table and said ‘yes Mr Majola, we can talk now’. I was terrified”, said Majola.

The Chairperson of the Provincial Public Works Portfolio Committee Honourable Makhosazane Zungu condemned the conduct of the alleged hitmen.

The committee resolved to formally request the South African Police Services and the department to work together to evict illegal occupiers. Zungu said the committee would give the SAPS and the department six months to ensure that illegal occupiers of the buildings are removed.

Committee member Honourable Sthembiso Mshengu said he was shocked at the derelict state of provincial government flats and some ministerial houses in Ulundi adding that the complex is so neglected that it is still emblazoned with the coat-of-arms of the old KwaZulu Homeland government.

Committee member Honourable Hlengiwe Mavimbela, who is also Chairperson of Committees commended the adoption of the resolution saying the committee cannot keep quiet as if it condoned the illegal occupation of government property.

The committee also heard that the departments which have been owing the Public Works Department hundreds of millions of rands have begun to settle their debts. Majola said this was in response to a directive issued at the provincial cabinet lekgotla that departments must pay before the end of the current financial year.

Committee member Honourable James Nxumalo commended those departments who have paid saying it was unacceptable that others were not quick to settle their debts in order for the department to be able to carry-out its responsibilities.

Committee member Honourable Vusi Dube said even those who were legally occupying the flats must pay so that the conditions of the complex could be improved.

The old legislature complex in Ulundi houses a number of government departments and the house of traditional leaders. Some residential flats are legally occupied by some of these officials.

Ends

Issued by KZN Legislature Public Works Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon Makhosazane Zungu, contact details 0839894400

OR Committee Media Officer Mr Wonder Hlongwa at 0829083532