Celani Sikhakhane
The embattled Mayor of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal will lead his party, the ANC, from “home” until the court decides on his criminal charges.
This comes after Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba was re-elected unopposed as the regional chair of the ANC eMalahleni region last week while he was still under the step aside rule.
Mahlaba is the first ANC leader to be returned to his position under the step aside rule.
He is facing charges of malicious damage to property and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after he assaulted the municipal contractor after instructing him not to continue to install cable Fibre.
He was also arrested in 2019 for the 2016 murder of ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader, Wandile Ngubeni. However, the charges were withdrawn following the death of a key witness.
After the step aside rule against Mahlaba, his party also removed him from the IEC candidate list at the last minute.
KZN ANC spokesperson, Nhlakanipho Ntombela said the step aside rule has not changed.
“Yes he was re-elected while he was still under step aside rule. So the rules have not changed. Which means he is not allowed to participate in any ANC structures including persecuting his duties as the regional Chairperson,” said Ntombela.
He said the step aside rule against Mahlaba will only be removed once the court decides in his favour regarding his criminal cases.
Mahlaba supporters accused the ANC leadership of using his cases to fight their political battles.
EThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda is also said to be gunning for the position of ANC Chairperson in the province.
