Celani Sikhakhane
The fight for the mayoral position in one rural KwaZulu-Natal municipality just got dirtier.
Incoming IFP mayor Zamo Shabalala has been accused of lying about being a qualified teacher in order to lead the Nquthu municipality.
Some of his fellow party leaders claim that the last time he stepped foot in a school was when he dropped out in grade three.
IFP senior leader Nothile Zungu first raised the issue, leading to the last minute cancellation of the councillor’s inauguration as the municipality’s new mayor.
In a recorded call, Zungu is heard saying they can’t allow Shabalala to get away with this.
“It would have been better if he had grade 11 or even matric. How could such a person continue to lead the municipality when he can’t even read?” Zungu is heard asking on the call.
“He lied to the leadership that he was a teacher in Nondweni but he has never been a teacher and he doesn’t have any proper education except standard 3,” he continued.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that the issue of Shabalala’s education was first raised as early as last year, but no one wanted to expose him at the time because it was coming from the ANC councillors.
When contacted for comment Shabalala’s phone rang unanswered.
IFP chairperson Mandla Ngobese said they won’t bother themselves with frivolous accusations against Shabalala.
“We are happy with Shabalala to take a second term and lead Nquthu council because he did very well in his first term. We won’t bother with the hearsays. No investigation will be instituted against him,” said Ngobese.
Shabalala is expected to be inaugurated – the third attempt to do so – along with other councillors on Wednesday.
