Controversial former ANC Mpumalanga provincial treasurer Mandla Msibi has made a comeback to provincial ANC politics after his one-year suspension was lifted this week.

The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) suspended Msibi in April 2024 for conduct linked to an alleged attempt to disrupt the party’s January 8 celebrations in Mbombela.

Msibi’s suspension was for three years, of which two years were conditionally suspended and one year served actively.

Charges Msibi was found guilty of included engaging in disruptive behaviour that contravened the governing party’s constitution. This included alleged attempts to block supporters from attending the event, which was held on Saturday, January 13.

The ANC NDC upheld the ruling after an appeal from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

With his suspension lapsing on Tuesday, the ANC in Mpumalanga confirmed Msibi’s return to the helm as provincial treasurer through provincial secretary Muzi Chirwa.

“Comrade Mandla Msibi, the provincial treasurer’s suspension has been lifted. When his suspension has been lifted, it means that everything returns to normal,” Chirwa said without confirming when Msibi would resume duties.

Msibi did not answer his phone on Wednesday.

Sources within the ANC in Mpumalanga suggest Msibi’s supporters are preparing to avenge those involved in his suspension and potentially take over the province. 

Msibi reportedly does not see eye-to-eye with provincial chairperson Mandla Ndlovu and Chirwa, who were part of those who acted against him when he became treasurer.

“Comrade Msibi has a large constituency and the province and the other leaders know that… It’s going to be ugly here because Msibi has a following and won’t let this go easily,” a source said.

Despite Msibi’s return, the ANC nationally previously stated that Msibi’s return to active politics depended on a formal verification process confirming compliance with suspension terms. 

ANC provincial spokesperson Sasekani Manzini emphasised the party’s adherence to its constitution and disciplinary processes.

“The ANC PEC is always guided by the constitution of the ANC, and even in this instance, it will act consistently with the constitution and other prescripts of the organisation which govern disciplinary processes,” said Manzini.

Msibi has been involved in Mpumalanga politics for years, previously as Cogta MEC. 

He was elected provincial treasurer in absentia in 2022 following a controversial murder charge that forced him to step aside from ANC duties.

However, he was later reinstated and appointed MEC after the National Prosecuting Authority withdrew the charges.

Before the 2022 provincial elective conference held in Witbank, Msibi was removed from the provincial government following his arrest on two charges of murder and one of attempted murder.

The charges involved a shooting at Mbombela’s Chesa Nyama hangout spot, where two ANC members, Dingaan Ngwenya and Sindela Lubisi, were gunned down on August 22, 2021.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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