The ANC-run KwaDukuza local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is on the verge of approving another controversial sponsorship deal, just after it approved one for a Durban July bash.
This time around, the badly managed municipality is on the verge of approving a sponsorship deal worth R1.5-million for a festival to celebrate the “contributions” of former mayor, the late Ricardo Mthembu.
Mthembu is the former mayor of KwaDukuza and regional strongman of the ANC. He passed away after contracting Covid-19 in July 2020. At the time of his death, he was serving in the KZN legislature. He was also in the provincial executive committee (PEC) of the ANC.
Events company roped in
According to an item presented to the council for approval, Kotin Communications and Events has made a request of R2-million. But only a sponsorship of R1.5-million was recommended to the council.
“The municipality has received a request for sponsorship from Kotin Communications and Events. They intend staging the second edition of the Ricardo Mthembu annual festival on the 16th December 2025 at eThembeni Sports Grounds. The festival is aimed at recognising the late Mayor Ricardo Mthembu’s contributions as a public servant.
“It also seeks to inspire future generations to embrace values of selfless leadership and cultural pride. This will bring together people from KZN and beyond to celebrate the rich Zulu heritage. And also promote social responsibility through music, dance and interactive activities. It will also focus on issues such as road safety, environmental stewardship and empowerment,” reads the motivation that was tabled before council dated May 29 2025.
Furthermore, the motivation said the event would be a platform for dialogue and action. Ensuring that Mthembu’s contribution to governance and community development continues to inspire meaningful progress.
Sponsorship recommended
The report then recommended that the event be sponsored. It stated that it already has an allocation in the draft budget of the municipality.
Last year’s event sparked controversy when its funding was approved during an impromptu exco session. The session required councillors to come back from their December holidays to convene and ratify it. There was also an uproar when some of the artists who performed claimed that they were paid as little as R1 000.
The municipality did not respond when it was asked about the mooted sponsorship.
