Durban — The political future of Lindile Nhaca, the ANC mayor of KwaDukuza, hangs in the balance as the ANC prepares to push for a vote of no confidence against her. The tumultuous power struggle within the party may lead to the mayor’s ultimate ousting if she does not resign by Thursday.
Nhaca finds herself on shaky grounds within her own party, which has accused her of fostering division among the KwaDukuza municipal council.
This council, a coalition involving the ANC, the African Independent Congress (AIC), and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), has struggled to operate effectively amid political infighting.
Last month, Nhaca was suspended as the ANC's local leader, with party officials calling for her to step down as mayor.
Despite facing mounting pressure, Nhaca's refusal to resign has sparked tensions at both the municipal level and within the broader ANC. Sources close to the situation disclosed to the Daily News that the ANC is now poised to mobilise its councillors to initiate a formal motion of no confidence against her.
Sphe Ngobese, the mayor's spokesperson, remained tight-lipped when approached for comments, stating, “We are unable to comment on matters regarding the mayor because she is still suspended.” This silence, however, has led to speculation about her potential political future.
On the other hand, Mafika Mndebele, the KwaZulu-Natal ANC spokesperson, has made it clear that if Nhaca refuses to relinquish her position, the party will push its councillors to undertake a vote aimed at removing her. He emphasised that her defiance could also result in disciplinary actions being taken against her.
The tensions within the council extend beyond the mayor, with the Speaker of the Council, Dolly Govender, also facing a vote of no confidence sponsored by the DA.
The DA filed a separate motion of no confidence against Govender, accusing her of failing to call a special council meeting to address the mayoral vacancy.
In a statement released on Tuesday, DA caucus whip Privi Makhan expressed concern regarding the ANC’s long silence since Nhaca's suspension and suggested that the DA's actions may have prompted the ANC's shift in focus to their own.
Current Council composition:
- ANC: 29 seats
- AIC: 1 seat
- ATM: 1 seat
- DA: 9 seats
- Independent Alliance: 5 seats
- ActionSA: 5 seats
- IFP: 4 seats
- EFF: 4 seats
- ACDP: 1 seat
With 59 seats in total, a united opposition could potentially displace the ANC, paving the way for a new administration. If opposition parties banded together, they would hold the majority with 30 seats against the ANC's 29.
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