Lungani Zungu
Long-time political rivals the ANC and IFP are heading for an epic clash in the battle for control of ward 12 in uMhlathuze (Richards Bay), KwaZulu-Natal.
The parties will hold massive siyanqoba rallies on Sunday just a few metres apart, to be headlined by prominent musicians.
More than 6,000 residents of uMhlathuze have registered to vote for the by-election set for next Wednesday.
The ANC, which controlled the ward before the resignation of its councillor, will hold its rally at the Mandlankala sports ground.
Among the artists expected to perform are the multi-awarding maskandi musician Khuzani Mpungose, Dladla Mshunqisi and the Qwabe Twins.
A few metres away, at the KwaMkhwanazi sports ground, DJ Tira, maskandi artist Mthandeni Manqele and Ukhozi FM presenter Tshatha Ngobe will be entertaining at the IFP event.
While the vacant ward is ANC’s stronghold, it remains unknown who will emerge victorious on Wednesday.
After years of governing uMhlathuze municipality with a tight grip, the ANC failed to get an outright majority at the administrative capital of King Cetshwayo District Municipality during last year’s local polls.
Subsequently, the then ANC mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo was voted out by the IFP-led coalition.
The coalition now is said to be rocky following EFF leader Julius Malema’s claims that he was in coalition talks with the ANC leadership in Gauteng and KZN.
Should the talks yield results in favour of the ANC-EFF coalition, then the ANC might win back the municipalities it lost last year, including the uMhlathuze local municipality.
The municipality is currently led by IFP Mayor Nkonzoyakhe Donda.
Another by-election will take place in Prince Albert in the Western Cape.
The IEC said it is all systems go ahead of the contest next week.
Scrolla.Africa will bring the results.
