17 October 2025
Response from Cllr Asghar Khan Al Jama-ah, Umdoni Municipality Representative
Subject: Response to Media Inquiry Regarding Umdoni Landfill Site Investigation
We have received with concern the recent statement by Councillor Roy Bhoola of AM4C regarding the ongoing investigation into the Umdoni Landfill Site and the various matters raised in his letter.
As the representative of Al Jama-ah who serves as the current Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in Umdoni, I believe it is important to provide the public with accurate and responsible information, and to address the inaccuracies and distortions in Councillor Bhoola’s claims.
- On the Ongoing Investigation into the Landfill Site
It is critical to first and foremost clarify that the MPAC investigation into the Umdoni Landfill Site is still ongoing. Any public statements or conclusions made before the investigation is concluded are premature and, frankly, irresponsible. MPAC is tasked with gathering all necessary evidence, reviewing the relevant documentation, and ensuring that any irregularities are thoroughly addressed. It is far too early to make final determinations, and as such, the claims of finality or conclusions presented in Councillor Bhoola’s comments are not only unfounded, but also mislead the public about the true state of affairs.
- The Distortion of the R800 Million Write-Off
The continued peddling of misinformation surrounding the so-called R800 million write-off is a blatant distortion of the facts. As Al Jama-ah, we have consistently addressed these misleading claims, but Councillor Bhoola continues to repeat half-truths that confuse the public and undermine the integrity of the process. To set the record straight:
- The actual amount written off was in the region of R400 million, not R800 million as wrongly stated by Councillor Bhoola.
- This write-off was related to irregular and unauthorised expenditure, specifically non-cash impairments that were expended over budgeted amounts. These impairments were classified as unauthorised but did not result in a financial loss to the municipality.
- The irregular expenditure were primarily stemmed from non-compliance with the municipality’s bid committee constitution—i.e., the committees were not made up of the required officials. However, it’s important to note that these irregularities did not result in any actual losses because the services procured were indeed delivered.
- Fruitless and wasteful expenditure was not written off, and Al Jama-ah has consistently supported investigations by the SIU and the Hawks into such expenditure, to ensure that any wrongdoing in this regard is addressed appropriately.
It is important for the public to understand that Al Jama-ah has never supported any form of write-off where actual financial loss occurred or where services were not delivered. Our support was for the write-off of amounts that related to non-compliance with procedures, not because public funds were wasted and was qualified by ensuring a resolution was adopted by council to ensure that SCM officials and others must attend training to stop these from occurring in the future.
- The MPAC Process and its Independence
Councillor Bhoola’s insinuations about the lack of independence in the MPAC process are unfounded and show a lack of understanding of how MPAC operates although he serves as a member of the committee. As Chairperson of MPAC, I assure the public that the process is conducted impartially and with full adherence to legislative procedures. The role of MPAC is to investigate, scrutinise, and make recommendations to Council based on the evidence at hand. Any insinuation that this process is compromised due to political motivations is simply incorrect. The findings of the investigation will be presented to the Council, and it is the Council, not any single political party, that will decide on the way forward.
- Conclusion
Al Jama-ah is fully committed to ensuring that Umdoni’s municipal governance remains transparent, accountable, and above reproach. The ongoing investigation into the Landfill Site must be allowed to proceed without distraction, and any premature conclusions only undermine the credibility of the process. We remain confident that MPAC will deliver a credible report, and the council will determine the best way forward in a fair and transparent manner.
We strongly urge Councillor Bhoola to cease spreading misinformation that only serves to confuse and divide the people of Umdoni. The public deserves clear, factual answers, and Al Jama-ah will continue to push for accountability and transparency in all matters concerning Umdoni’s governance.
We firmly believe in transparency and encourage the public to engage with us directly. Our offices are located in the Umzinto CBD, and we welcome open dialogue and inquiries.
Issued by:
Cllr Asghar Khan
Al Jama-ah asgharkhan@hotmail.co.za