KZN mayors, deputy mayor in hot water
|Published
A man has an IFP flag in his cap at a rally. File Picture: African News Agency (ANA) Archives.
Durban -Two northern KwaZulu-Natal mayors and a deputy mayor have come under fire after allegations regarding their conduct came to light.
Msinga Municipality mayor Mletheni Douglas Ndlovu has been charged with failure to lock away a firearm in a prescribed safe, as well as handing over a firearm to a person not permitted to be in possession of such.
The deputy mayor of Abaqulusi (Vryheid) Municipality, Mandla Mazibuko, has been accused of using a derogatory term to describe residents.
Pongola mayor Velephi Mavis Sikhosana has been accused of borrowing money from a businesswoman and allegedly promising a tender in return.
All three are members of the IFP and the party said yesterday that the matters were receiving attention.
Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Sihle Zikalala said councillors in municipalities should hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct when it comes to respect of the country’s rule of law.
“The latest developments that have taken place within the sphere of local government concerning the conduct of some office-bearers in our municipalities leave a lot to be desired.”
Zikalala added that while the department respected the principle of innocent until proven guilty, it was concerned that allegations surrounding office-bearers in Msinga, Abaqulusi and Pongola had a direct impact on the credibility of these institutions whose sole mandate was to provide essential services to communities.
“We have full confidence in the law enforcement agencies and their abilities to investigate the serious allegations surrounding these office-bearers and take the appropriate actions.
“As the executive authority in this portfolio, I have no intention to fail in my responsibility as empowered by the Systems Act to act against councillors should the councils fail to do their part.”
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara confirmed that Ndlovu and his two bodyguards, Msawenkosi Lionel Malembe and Mvikeleni Mzolo, appeared in the Msinga Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
“Ndlovu is charged with failure to lock away a firearm in a prescribed safe, as well as handing over a firearm to a person not permitted to be in possession of such. Malembe and Mzolo were charged with unlawful possession of a firearm as well as unlawful possession of ammunition. Ndlovu was granted bail of R10 000, while the other two men were granted bail of R1 000 each. They were advised not to interfere with witnesses.”
The matter was adjourned to November 21, she said.
IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said that the party’s national executive committee (NEC) had been briefed on the arrest of Ndlovu.
It said the NEC had directed that Ndlovu take a leave of absence from all municipal activities and responsibilities with immediate effect, and be placed on suspension from all party activities.
“The deputy mayor of Msinga, Thenjiwe Busisiwe Mbatha, will act as mayor.”
Hlengwa added that the IFP would rely on the outcome of the SAPS-led investigation on this matter.
“The IFP will accordingly take decisions on the basis of the due processes of the investigation, as per the recommendations of the National Council Task Team that was dispatched to investigate this matter.”
Regarding the matter involving Mazibuko, Hlengwa said he would appear before the NEC soon.
“We are awaiting to receive all the facts before releasing a statement. However, the allegations against the deputy mayor of Abaqulusi and the mayor of Pongola are receiving our utmost attention.”
The Mercury’s sister newspaper the Daily News reported that Mazibuko allegedly called marchers izimfene (baboons) last Friday, according to an audio recording that is circulating on social media.
In Sikhosana’s matter, Independent Media has reported that Sikhosana is facing legal action after she allegedly borrowed R80 000 from a businesswoman and then told the woman that she will be given a tender and recoup the money she borrowed from her.
It was reported that the matter is now before the Pongola Magistrate’s Court where the businesswoman is trying to claw back the money and the mayor has been served with a summons.
Thabani Khumalo, an independent political analyst, said that since IFP president emeritus Mangosuthu Buthelezi had stepped down as president of the party, it had become a party with ill discipline.
“The issue is that there are also factions in the IFP and councillors also guilty of irresponsible utterances.
“These allegations come at a time when the IFP are trying to gain ground and need to be presenting themselves as being better than the ANC.
“The IFP can’t afford for people to lose trust in them. It’s time for IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa to stamp his authority and say that ill-discipline by members of the party will not be tolerated and there will be no factionalism allowed. It's a challenge and Hlabisa needs to rise up to this challenge.”