The ANC in eThekwini has called on the City Manager Musa Mbhele to take disciplinary action against workers whom the party claimed were caught transporting Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) members to vote in Wednesday’s ward 64 by-election.

In a highly contested by-election, the DA won with 63% followed by the MKP with 1,141 (22%). The ANC received 516 votes (10%), while the EFF received 73 (1%). The ward includes parts of Clairwood, Montclair and Yellow Wood Park in the south of the city.

Speaking on Thursday, ANC regional task team spokesperson Thinta Cibane blamed the ANC’s loss on MKP violence ahead of the by-election and during the voting for people turning back without voting.

He claimed that MKP members who work for eThekwini municipality were caught openly alighting from the branded municipal vehicles at voting stations. He added that municipal truck drivers also transported MKP supporters to vote and the truck was seen also dropping off people wearing the party regalia in front of the stations.

“We were disturbed by the behaviour of the municipal workers abusing the resources that are provided and paid for by the taxpayers to deliver services. We call on the City Manager to take immediate and decisive action against these employees. Such abuse of resources to advance partisan interests is unacceptable and unlawful,” said Cibane

He said that the behavior undermined the principles of a neutral and professional public service.  Cibane said his party has identified the workers and have compiled the list to forward it to the city management for action.

In response, MKP eThekwini spokesperson Bonginkosi Dlamini dismissed the ANC’s claims, accusing it of using his party as a scapegoat for failing to do well.

EThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the matter is currently under investigation by the relevant Directorate to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

“The driver of the vehicle in question has been identified and in line with standard practice, the Municipality does not publicly disclose details of internal investigative processes, as this may compromise the integrity and objectivity of the proceedings.

“The Municipality remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the consistent application of its internal policies and procedures.”

* This story has been updated to include a response from the eThekwini Municipality.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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