Social media is abuzz after the ANC released a damning audio clip, allegedly of an IFP councillor bartering sex for jobs.

The sexual misconduct case involves an IFP councillor at Alfred Duma Local Municipality in Ladysmith. The ANC allege that he took advantage of two women. The ANC say they salute the women who have come forward and called for the councillor’s accountability for his sexual misconduct and the abuse of public office.

Until late last night, one of his victims detailed how he offered to renew her employment contract in return for sex, says ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo in a media statement.

A 20-minute explicit audio clip, in which the councillor can be heard having sexual relations with a ‘vulnerable’ municipal staff member, was also posted. After the ‘act’, he can be heard assuring the woman that her contract will not be terminated.

The Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 prohibits councillors from having inappropriate interference in the administration, adds the ANC.

The Democratic Alliance’s Alf Lees has called upon the ANC to press charges against the IFP councillor, who they claim to be a ‘sexual predator’.

“This is a serious accusation and one which, if true, will undoubtedly bring Alfred Duma Local Municipality and the IFP into disrepute. Every effort must be made to ensure that the ANC provides the evidence that they are basing the accusation on and then for a full investigation to be undertaken by the Alfred Duma council, the police and the IFP to ensure that the truth about this accusation is established.”

Alfred Duma Mayor Zama Sibisi says they haven’t received any formal complaint as the municipality.

“I will have a meeting with the councillor to get his side of the story before we can reach any conclusion. We can’t do much since there is no complainant. These are very serious allegations and they need proper investigation. We urge that if this is true, the victim must come forward. It is illegal for councillors to use their authority in the wrong way,” adds Sibisi.

The name of the IFP councillor is known to the Ladysmith Gazette, however, the publication opted against publishing it as they cannot confirm his relationship with the two women. By identifying him, the publication could indirectly identify them, which is against the law.