INLSA
Zweli Mkhize
Fears that their own colleagues will turn on them have made ANC councillors in the eThekwini region increase their security measures as tensions heighten before regional leadership elections which are to be held next month.
The Mercury has learnt that councillors who were previously guarded until 6pm now have 24-hour bodyguards because they fear attacks from their comrades.
Those with heightened security, provided by the muni-cipality, apparently include executive committee members Zandile Gumede and Nondumiso Cele, while councillor Mxolisi Ndzibomvu is also closely guarded.
The Mercury understands that Ward 24 in Chesterville is a volatile branch and that councillor Jabulisile Mbongwa also has security, but it is not provided by the city.
Some say the ongoing animosity has made the eThekwini region almost ungovernable because councillors are divided. The matter apparently came to a head during the ANC’s caucus on Monday, before councillors were due to attend a full sitting of the eThekwini council.
Cele and councillor Nolubabalo Mthembu, of Ward 74, who are in opposing camps, apparently exchanged verbal blows and had to be called to order by caucus chairman Mthunzi Dlamini.
The Mercury understands that only 34 of the region’s 103 branches have held their general meetings, where members choose who will attend the regional elective conference and who they will back for leadership positions.
At least 17 branches are expected to hold their meetings this weekend.
An ANC member, who would not be named for fear of victimisation, said the biggest challenge had been trying to get the meetings to take place.
“The previous meetings failed to achieve the quorum. Members also feel that lists of candidates are being imposed on them, and there is serious resistance to the lists.”
Money
An insider said: “It’s all about money and authority, not about the ANC.”
Since last year, several lists of candidates to take over the ANC leadership in eThek- wini have been doing the rounds, and three remain in circulation.
One list, which places Nhla-kanipho Ntombela at the helm, is known as the Legacy Project and apparently has the support of 23 of the 34 branches which have held their meetings.
This group is said to back President Jacob Zuma for another term in office and will throw its weight behind Senzo Mchunu to take over as ANC provincial chairman.
Another group, which is touting Health MEC Sbongi-seni Dhlomo as the regional chairman, apparently has the backing of the remaining 11 branches which have held their meetings.
They are backing Premier Zweli Mkhize for another term as ANC provincial chairman and are said to be aligned to Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and suspended ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.
The third list, which has Sifiso Sonjica at the helm, appears to be lagging in the popularity stakes.
ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said he was not prepared to discuss the state of branches and how many had managed to hold their meetings.
As the numerically biggest region of the ANC in KZN, eThekwini is considered the “kingmaker” in the province.
