New Umzumbe speaker calls for stability
In a statement released by the municipality, it said that the election of Simphiwe Jika Mthethwa is confirmation that the municipality is now led by both the ANC and IFP as the Government of Local Unity.
The IFP’s Simphiwe Jika Mthethwa, the new speaker of Umzumbe Municipality, has called for stability and for all to work together.
Mthethwa said this on Monday morning last week after he was elected, uncontested, at a special council meeting.
The position has been vacant for months after the former speaker, Sbonelo Maphumulo, was suspended in August 2023 and then expelled from the ANC in December 2023.
According to a source, the IFP’s Mlungisi Ndlovu will soon be elected as deputy mayor.
Ndlovu was once ‘made mayor’ of Umzumbe, which was later disputed as regulations and protocols were not followed.
In May this year, Umzumbe was placed under administration, and Cogta MEC Bongiwe-Sithole Moloi sent a delegation to introduce the ministerial representative, Martin Sithole, to assist the municipality in implementing recovery plans.
In a statement released by the municipality, it said that the election of Mthethwa is a confirmation that the municipality is now led by both the ANC and IFP as the Government of Local Unity.
Municipal Chief Whip, the ANC’s Sibongiseni Cele, said after the by-elections, people wanted change, one of the reasons for a new speaker.
“We hope we will be able to work together and iron out some issues within the municipality.”
Mthethwa said it is important to him as the speaker to work for the people and make a difference.
“As the IFP, we have had a lot of complaints in regards to corruption in the municipality and a lack of accountability. They will no longer do as they please; we will all sit down and discuss matters. Also of importance is stability in this municipality and giving people the service they deserve.”
Mthethwa said that it is no secret that the IFP and ANC in Umzumbe could not work together, but now the relationship is forced to work together.
IFP had 14 seats, and after by-elections, they gained three more. The ANC also has 17 seats.
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