Inkatha Freedom Party stands by Mayor Myeza amid assault claims

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it will not fire Inkosilangalibalele Local Municipality Mayor, Mduduzi "Sobholenyoni" Myeza, from his position after he assaulted a female staff member, who is also a party member.

Myeza allegedly manhandled Zanele Mazibuko who is a party’s official.

Speaking to Daily News, Mazibuko said the mayor got agitated after she questioned him about who appointed Fani Fani as the chairperson.

She said that irked Myeza which led to the alleged assault.

“The mayor assaulted me because he doesn’t want to be questioned. I’ve opened a case of assault against him and the matter is currently before the court.

"We will be going back to court tomorrow (Wednesday) and we will see how it goes,”Mazibuko said.

She also expressed her disappointment at the lack of support from the organisation, and said that the party had not done anything to remedy the situation.

Mazibuko said she was expected to work with the mayor even though she wasn’t comfortable with it.

The party’s National spokesperson Mkhulekwa Hlengwa told the publication that the party can’t fire Myeza based on allegations.

Hlengwa said although the matter was still in a court of law, it didn’t mean that the mayor was guilty.

“We must follow the rule of natural justice. We can’t take any decision before the process in court is concluded.

"The claims remain allegations (at this stage) and those allegations must be tested in a court of law, so what action would you want us to take?”, asked the IFP spokesperson.

An IFP member known to the publication, said Mazibuko’s situation was testament that the organisation would always be patriarchal and that it was resistant to change.

“Our rights as women in the organisation will never be considered and we have allowed this attitude to be entrenched in the movement as women of this organisation.

"Our fellow male party members, don’t want to be opposed, especially from women. When you do that, they feel insulted. We can’t just say 'yes, baba' all the way.

"Women have opinions, we want to be part of the solution,” the member stated.

She said it was hypocritical of the movement to say Mazibuko’s claims were “allegations” whereas she was physically assaulted by one of the members and the matter was before the court. Myeza appeared at the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson's in KZN, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, confirmed that the mayor appeared in court.

“Myeza appeared on charge of assault GBH. He appeared on summons.

"The case was adjourned to the 13 August 2025 for possible Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR),” said Ramkisson-Kara.

The ANC in the Josiah Gumede Region said it was appalled by the mayor’s behavior, more so that he manhandled a woman during their month.

“The ANC in the Josiah Gumede Region stands with the victim and calls for an end to gender-based violence (GBV)”. Sipho Ndaba, the ANC's spokesman in the Region.

Recently, the ANC had accused the municipality under Myeza’s leadership of failing to deliver basic services to the community.

DAILY NEWS