Councillor under fire over claims of occupying and selling land earmarked for government housing

A KwaDukuza ward councillor is facing allegations of illegally occupying and selling land meant for government housing. This has triggered a directive for investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). The complaint, submitted by a member of the public, alleges that Glenhills Ward 13 councillor Nkululeko Qwabe unlawfully occupied and sold land earmarked for the Steve Biko housing development.

According to the complainant, the matter dates back several years, with multiple reports allegedly submitted to municipal officials without decisive action. Concerns have also been raised about inaction from senior leadership, including the Speaker’s office. In correspondence seen by theCourier, Cogta confirmed that the matter falls under the councillors’ code of conduct and instructed municipal speaker, Dolly Govender, to investigate.

The department emphasised that councillors must act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest and not use their position for private benefit. Cogta further directed that, where there is reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing, the Speaker must authorise a formal investigation, allow the councillor to respond and table the findings before council. The matter was brought before council last Thursday but was dealt with at in-committee level and not in an open council sitting.

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“I would like to place on record that the matter you are referring to is now being dealt with internally by the municipality. I am therefore not in a position to comment at this stage due to ongoing internal processes. The matter in question is a committee item for the council sitting held on April 30,” he said.

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