By Celani Sikhakhane
- The African National Congress wins back uMkhanyakude District after the Inkatha Freedom Party steps aside during a tense council meeting on 21 November.
- The Economic Freedom Fighters get the deputy mayor post after joining the African National Congress and Inkatha Freedom Party to block a move against Premier Thami Ntuli.
People in uMkhanyakude watched another political shake-up as the African National Congress returned to run their district. The Inkatha Freedom Party surprised many by stepping back from power to protect KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli from being removed.
The big change happened at a council meeting on 21 November. IFP mayor Comfort Khumalo resigned, opening the door for the African National Congress’s Siphile Mdaka to take back the job. Mdaka was pushed out in October when the IFP won a vote of no confidence.
The deal brought in the Economic Freedom Fighters, who took the deputy mayor position. EFF councillor Simo Mthembu was elected unopposed. His party joined the African National Congress and IFP to stop a planned vote to remove Premier Ntuli. That vote, brought by the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party, was moved from 21 November to 15 December.
Mthembu said it was not a moment for cheering but for getting services to the community. “It’s an opportunity for us to work hard for the people of uMkhanyakude to get water services,” he said.
IFP official Nhlanhla Msimang said the parties agreed to the changes to improve service delivery and promote unity.
The National Freedom Party will now take the chief whip position.
African National Congress senior member Mike Mabuyakhulu thanked the IFP for reaching an agreement. He said the parties were building “a united government of provincial unity” and welcomed Mdaka’s return.
Mdaka thanked Khumalo for keeping water services running. Municipal manager Siyabonga Ntuli said the new leadership was ready to work on a financial turnaround plan.
Pictured above: Siphile Mdaka and Simo Mthembu.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
