The councillor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality in Ladysmith who is implicated in the ‘bartering for sex’ audio clip has been suspended from the party with immediate effect and directed to take leave as a councillor, also with immediate effect.

A 20-minute explicit audio clip has been doing the rounds on social media, in which the councillor can be heard having sexual relations with a ‘vulnerable’ municipal staffer. After the ‘act’, he can be heard assuring the woman that her contract will not be terminated.

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa released a media statement yesterday in which he confirms the suspension.

The accused councillor will appear before the National Executive Committee at a special meeting scheduled to sit no later than March 5.

The IFP reaffirms the rights of women in the workplace to perform their jobs, free from harassment and intimidation. They consider these matters to be of a very serious nature and as such, this incident will receive the priority attention of the party through investigation.

The speaker of Alfred Duma Local Municipality is directed to ensure that service delivery is not adversely impacted in the affected ward.

Picket outside town hall

Residents yesterday picketed outside the town hall as they want the councillor to vacate his position after being accused of engaging in sexual activities with a municipal staff member in return for renewing her contract.

A memorandum was handed to the chief whip of Alfred Duma Local Municipality. The memorandum states that they want an investigation to take place, as well as an immediate suspension of his duties.

They also said that if the municipality does not take action, they will protest and block the roads of the ward.