An internal investigation has been launched by the municipality following claims of interfering with recruitment documents

Pietermaritzburg residents allege corruption and mismanagement as well as problems with the new billing system

Senior staff were allegedly told ahead of the elections ‘to cough up R5  million or resign’

They have also urged the government to conduct lifestyle audits on councillors and dissolve the troubled municipality This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

The directive includes the possibility that the municipality may have to consider fundraising and even sell its debtor’s book

The infestation has been attributed to uncollected refuse

Municipalities collectively owe Eskom more than R1 billion and are mired in unauthorised and wasteful expenditure and lack of consequence management