While the ANC is searching for a new KwaDukuza Local Municipality mayor and deputy, ActionSA is calling for united opposition to take over the running of the municipality.

The party’s councillor Halalalisani Ndlovu has appealed to all opposition parties, especially the EFF and the DA to set aside their differences for the best interests of KwaDukuza residents. Ndlovu said in 2021 the opposition had an opportunity to stop the ANC, however, the ideological differences between the DA and EFF helped the ANC to retain power in the municipality.

“I want to make an appeal to all the opposition parties to unite and save the people from KwaDukuza from another ANC rule. I appeal to the DA and EFF in particular to put the residents first by setting aside their political and ideological differences and form a coalition that will serve the people,” said Ndlovu.

The EFF and DA are yet to respond to the unity calls. In the 59-seat council, the ANC has 29 seats while the opposition has 30. The ANC was forced to form a coalition with the African Transformation Movement, which holds one seat.

Last week, the ANC forced mayor Ali Ngidi and his deputy Njabulo Cele out of their positions following recommendations in April to investigate the pair’s alleged abuse of power.

Besides removing the pair from their positions, the ANC also ordered them to pay back the money they splurged on luxury vehicle hire, without council approval, since assuming office in November. The report that was presented to council in April showed that from November to February the mayor had spent R497,180,10 while his deputy had spent R527,720,13. 

Furthermore, the ANC ordered Ngidi to pay for fuel use of the mayoral car which was used to transport his family, particularly his children to school. 

Ngidi will also have to pay for the security firm that guarded his home-this was also not approved by the council. It was reported that the Durban-based security company was billing the municipality R173,000 for eight guards that were stationed at the mayor’s house day and night. It is not clear for how long the company had guarded his home.

Ngidi and Cele are still at the helm of the embattled municipality in the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although they submitted resignation letters to the ANC, the party asked them not to submit letters to the Speaker until the party finds their replacements.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za

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