1. The Minister became aware of this matter when the Honourable Member posed this question to him.
On receipt of the question, the KwaZulu Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs was requested to facilitate a response from the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (“the Municipality”).
The Municipality subsequently provided their responses below:
a) The Municipality has indicated that it has rental properties within the central region, accommodating eleven councillors. These councillors have entered ino a lease agreement with the Municipality.
b) The provision of accommodation was based on security concerns for the councillors and their families, and damages to their properties.
2. The MEC for local government in KwaZulu Natal Province is investigating whether the alleged occupation of subsidised municipal flats by the councillors constitute a breach of conduct. The outcome of this investigation will inform the steps to be taken to rectify the matter, if necessary.