THE INDIAN CONGRESS PARTY

We appreciate your attention to this matter and await your timely response. Office of the Speaker
City of Durban
Subject:Urgent Concern Regarding Irregularities in Ward 48 – Request for Immediate Intervention and Re-Election of Ward Committee Members
Dear Hon. Speaker,
We trust this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
On behalf of the Indian Congress Party, we are compelled to raise serious and urgent concerns regarding governance and conduct within Ward 48, currently under the leadership of Councillor Michelle Lutchman. A growing number of complaints from community members, along with direct observations, have highlighted persistent irregularities that undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of the ward committee.
Our concerns are as follows:
1.Nepotism and Conflicts of Interest:

A disproportionate number of ward committee members are reported to be close relatives, friends, or business affiliates of the Councillor. This practice compromises the fairness and transparency that are foundational to ethical governance.

2.Abuse of Power:
There are widespread reports of certain ward committee members misusing their positions. This includes incidents of intimidation, exclusion of residents from participation, and conduct unbecoming of public representatives, fostering mistrust within the community.
3.Chairperson’s Residency Status:
It has come to light that the current chairperson of the War Room does not reside within Ward 48. This contravenes the basic criteria for ward representation and erodes the chairperson’s legitimacy to serve the interests of the local constituency.
4.Councillor Interference:
Councillor Michelle Lutchman has been reported to interfere unduly in the operations of the ward committee, leading to confusion, division, and a decline in effective service delivery. This has severely disrupted community engagement and the delivery of developmental programs.
The culmination of these issues has resulted in a loss of confidence and disillusionment among residents. There is a growing sentiment of exclusion, and many community members feel disenfranchised, under represented, and neglected by their elected structures.
In light of the above, we formally and respectfully request:
5.An immediate investigation into the composition, functioning, and integrity of the current Ward 48 committee.
6.The dissolution of the existing ward committee, based on the documented irregularities and community concerns.
7.The initiation of a transparent, fair, and community-inclusive re-election processto reconstitute the ward committee with genuinely representative leadership.
As a registered political party dedicated to ethical leadership and grassroots development, we strongly urge your office to intervene without delay. Swift action will help restore community trust, reinforce democratic values, and promote good governance in Ward 48.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and await your timely response.
We need 500 signatures to support this initiative thank you.