Showdown between ANC secretary and IFP mayor

Lolo Madonsela

The announcement of AbaQulusi Local Municipality (ALM) paying off its historical debt of R197 million has resulted in a showdown between ANC Mzala Nxumalo Regional Secretary Zakes Buthelezi and ALM Acting Mayor Mncedisi Maphisa (IFP).
Buthelezi commented that, “It is said that numbers don’t lie and here the numbers absolve the ANC-led administration and clearly demonstrate the sterling work of the ANC at a time when it led the governance of ALM.”
He also said that had this been a circus, he would have said Maphisa’s claims were, “Laughable, but unfortunately these are issues of governance that impact on the livelihoods of our people. It represents jobs not realised, economic development deferred, and all the other ills that you may expect in an administration of the ignorant and the short-sighted. I cannot explain him (acting mayor) claiming they appreciate the work of Mkhize, the administrator, when he has been frustrating Mkhize’s moves to clean the administration by charging those suspected of being responsible for the rot that has infested this municipality in the past four years.”
Maphisa also did not mince his words and said that Buthelezi was displaying “absolute parochialism” and that he (Buthelezi) was playing “dirty politics”.
“It is very sad that Buthelezi is quick to point out ignorance and narrow-mindedness when he, himself, is strongly displaying absolute parochialism. If I may further state that it is shocking that Buthelezi chooses to continue playing dirty politics and displaying his absolute knowledge deficiency by citing that I have been “frustrating” Mkhize. Whatever Buthelezi is making reference to, I am not aware of.

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First and foremost, the IFP has entrusted me with the responsibility of being the interim political head of this institution and in executing my duties. I do not apply my feelings, as he is doing, but I stick to principles and follow proper procedures in the execution of the above.
“The so-called frustration that Buthelezi claims I am imposing on Mkhize I presume is due to the so-called forensic report that was conducted without Council approval on our municipality. I have, however, in the past week submitted an item that has gone through all Council committees, where I was requesting an investigation to be conducted into the authenticity of the NMK forensic investigators, as they were appointed without following proper procedures – which makes me presume that their appointment was based on emotions and anger to try and destabilize and tarnish the hard work of the IFP-led governance to try and restore stability. Furthermore, to my item, I added that the investigation should also validate if the findings of the NMK report are substantial for us as a municipality to be able to engage with the report,” said Maphisa.
He added that, “Politicians like Buthelezi need to learn to desist from applying their emotions when discussing matters that are not even within their jurisdiction, as Buthelezi is not even a member in any form of municipal structures. He, in fact, has more than enough councillors within the ANC component, which makes me tempted to presume that Buthelezi doubts their capacity to think or articulate, as he is making all these utterances that are baseless.
“The last time I checked, Buthelezi was not appointed as Mkhize’s spokesperson and I am disappointed by his utterances, as they may have dire consequences on our municipality and delivery of services to the people. We, however, will continue to follow all the legislated processes and procedures of governing this municipality and returning it to its former glory. The ANC may rant all they want and try to distract us from servicing the people, but we will not fall into their trap. We will continue standing on the side of the truth and doing what’s right for the benefit of our citizens.”

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