Lungani Zungu
In May, Siyabonga Kunene, a former IFP Nquthu mayor who was charged with attempted murder in 2017, suffered a bruising defeat at the hands of his former party during a by-election in ward 11 in Nquthu.
Kunene contested that by-election under the banner of Abantu Botho Congress (ABC), a party led by businessman Philani Mavundla, former Greytown mayor and a benefactor of Jacob Zuma. He lost.
Seven months after the defeat, Kunene is done licking his wounds and ready to fight again.
“I have been campaigning hard, and the people have warmly welcomed us as the ABC,” he said, ahead of the 1 November elections.
Kunene is a former IFP strongman who was expelled from the party after a public spat with then party leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, over his murder charges.
“The IFP would not even come close to winning the ward. I am ready for them.
“I want to change the plight of many poor citizens of Nquthu,” said Kunene.
He was arrested in 2017 alongside five other suspects for allegedly plotting to kill their ANC rivals in Nquthu.
However, the plot was scuppered after a bodyguard of his fellow conspirators alerted the police.
But he denies ever being involved in a murderous plot.
“That thing was politically motivated. That’s why the case collapsed,” he said.
NPA could not confirm the status of Kunene’s case.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) rules state that any person can stand for election as long as they have no pending cases against them.
Former EFF Gauteng chairperson Mandisa Mashego is among the prominent politicians who joined the ABC after dumping the EFF following his fall out with party leader Julius Malema last year.
ABC, which was formed in January last year, will be contesting local government elections for the first time.
Party leader Mavundla is confident his party would win some wards in KZN.
