Sihle Mavuso presents the latest news from KwaZulu-Natal.
Durban – Disruptions in the ranks of the National Freedom Party (NFP) continue to tear the IFP splinter party apart. The latest issue to pit party leaders against each other is an alleged poster for the uMkhonto Wesizwe party bearing the face of Ivan Barnes, the disputed president of the NFP, who was elected in December last year in Durban. The poster prompted the party’s MP Shaik Emam to write to Barnes and demand answers. Emam also wants Barnes to answer to allegations of corruption during his stint at the Nongoma municipality.
Pietermaritzburg – The date is set for the KwaZulu-Natal State of the Province address. Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube will deliver it on 28 February at the Oval Cricket Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. As is the custom in the province, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is expected to officially open the legislature on Tuesday next week, paving the way for Dube-Ncube’s speech.
Westville – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in KZN has reminded unregistered eligible voters in the province that the voters’ roll is still open, with Wednesday 29 May set as the date for the elections. The IEC’s provincial electoral officer, Ntombifuthi Masinga, said the voters’ roll would only be closed once the election date has been officially gazetted. She reminded voters such as students to ensure that they register to vote where they will be on the day and to use the IEC’s online platforms to check where they are registered to vote.
Hillcrest – The Abantu Batho Congress (ABC) is facing leadership challenges that started when the Bhungu Gwala faction attempted to oust the Philani Mavundla faction. The matter ended up in the Pietermaritzburg High Court where it is yet to be heard. In the latest episode of the power struggle, Mavundla, the president of the party, has written to ABC councillors in all municipalities where the party is represented, instructing them to deposit party levies into a bank account belonging to the Thando Mbili law firm, which is representing his faction in the ongoing court battle.
KwaXimba – Following violent protests over water woes in KwaXimba in Durban, authorities have called an imbizo to address residents. The imbizo will be held on Thursday and it will be addressed by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and Inkosi Mlaba of KwaXimba. The violent protest has brought the area to a complete standstill, and it is spilling over to the nearby Cato Ridge industrial area.
Pictured above: Ivan Barnes.
Image source: X