IFP and EFF alliance could lead to leadership change in Nongoma Municipality
The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal is poised to reclaim Nongoma Local Municipality following the resuscitation of its relationship with the EFF in the province.
The EFF’s two councillors are expected to back the IFP’s motion of no confidence against both NFP mayor Mshangane Ndabandaba and ANC Speaker Babongile Sithole. The motion meeting is scheduled to take place late on Monday.
The meeting will be chaired by the municipal manager Mpumelelo Mnguni as the Speaker is also affected by the motion. Mnguni confirmed the motion, saying he hoped by the end of business on Monday, the proceedings would have been completed and there will be new leadership if the motion succeeds. He said the motion was filed by the IFP.
The EFF was reportedly angered by both the ANC and the NFP’s failure to remove the Speaker and the mayor who are facing corruption allegations. The mayor and the Speaker were arrested alongside former deputy mayor Sabelo Nkosi who was fired a few months ago for his alleged involvement in the corruption. The trio are out on bail.
Last week the ANC said it was in the process of taking action. NFP acting secretary-general Sunset Xaba said the party had long taken a decision to remove Ndabandaba, however the party caucus requested the party to give the mayor two months in office. Xaba said the mayor is meant to vacate office at the end of July.
“Our mayor has agreed to leave at the end of the month, even if he survives the motion today. It was an agreement that was reached between the national leadership and the Nongoma caucus,” said Xaba.
The EFF’s change of heart towards the IFP paved the way for ousting of an ANC mayor in Mpendle Local Municipality last week. The parties worked together in a motion of confidence that was filed by the IFP. Although the EFF and IFP controlled fewer seats while the ANC governed alone with six seats, the motion was passed because all five councillors, except the mayor, abstained paving the way for the mayor’s removal.
After the 2021 local government elections, the IFP reached an agreement with the EFF to co-govern close to 20 municipalities that were hung, however in 2023 the EFF pulled out of the arrangement and struck a deal with the ANC. This resulted in the IFP losing Nongoma and other municipalities.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za