The ANC has filed a ‘motion of no confidence’ against Endumeni Mayor Siyabonga Ndlovu and Speaker Andile Nsibande for what they say is corruption and incompetence.

ANC whip Siphamandla Kheswa says the two motions against the mayor and speaker are required by law rather than being motivated by a personal vendetta against the two officials.

“According to the Municipal Systems Act [Act 32 of 2000], councillors must always act in the best interests of the municipality. A councillor is required to carry out the duties of the office in good faith, honestly and transparently,” explains Kheswa.

He adds that, in the final analysis of the ANC caucus, they have come to the conclusion that the ‘governing alliance of the IFP and DA is not living up to this code of conduct’.

“They are letting down the citizens of Endumeni without shame. Any councillor whose interest is with the people won’t have the audacity to support such mediocrity.”

IFP caucus chairperson Xolani Msezane confirmed that the ANC had filed two motions of no confidence. “They are entirely within their rights as the opposing party.”

He claims the party is unaware of what those corruption allegations are, and they will wait until the next ordinary council meeting for the ANC to present them.

“After council has discussed the claims, we will then remark on them. Given that the ANC will do all in its power to topple the IFP, we are also not at all surprised by these moves,” says Msezane.

In their reaction, the DA, through councillor Naresh Gopie, says: “The party takes all corruption allegations seriously as we are committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. We welcome any investigation into any allegations of wrongdoing and are fully committed to working with the relevant authorities to uphold the principles of the DA.

“We have always maintained a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and will continue to do so. However, we urge that any investigation be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, and that any findings be based on concrete evidence.

“We believe that it is only through a rigorous and objective investigation process that justice can be served and the integrity of our political system can be upheld.”