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Mduduzi Nkosi, known for past controversies, has resigned as Emalahleni speaker following party pressure and an alleged corruption-linked fallout.
Picture: Michel Bega
The circumstances surrounding the resignation of the controversial Emalahleni local municipality speaker Mduduzi “Mswati” Nkosi remain unclear.
Nkosi, who is known for his aggressive behaviour, resigned a few days ago. Municipal spokesperson Lebogang Mofokeng refused to comment, saying: “As the municipality, we can only give you a comment after the council sitting next week. For now the ANC can give you clarity.”
However, he confirmed to the local radio station that “the municipality has received Nkosi’s resignation letter. The special council sitting will be held next week Friday to consider and formally accept the letter”.
ANC regional spokesperson Linky Mohlala confirmed to Emalahleni FM that “the speaker has been requested by the ANC to vacate the office”.
ANC regional secretary Sello Matshoga denied Nkosi was pushed to resign, saying: “We didn’t force him to resign, we redeployed him.” Asked why, Matshoga did not respond.
Nkosi referred questions to the ANC regional office. “I will be in a position to speak after a week or so,” he added.
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Sources within the regional office confirmed that the speaker was forced to resign by his party. Nkosi was previously accused by political parties of bullying them in council sittings.
Last year, a case of assault was opened against him after he reportedly assaulted Ndebele traditional leader Tony Mahlangu.
The alleged assault happened during a Mandela Day event when Nkosi accused Mahlangu of forcing his way onto the podium to address the community when he was not on the list of speakers. Nkosi allegedly grabbed Mahlangu and pushed him away.
Sources said the speaker was forced to resign after he indicated support for two suspended MMCs who attended a council sitting without permission.
Jerry Djiana and Busi Hlumbane are accused of corruption for reportedly accepting bribes from a businessman who wanted his business deal extended. The two members, who face charges of extortion and corruption and are out on R10 000 bail each, were booted out by members of the DA and EFF.
Nkosi, who was speaker at the time, said they had informed the investigating officer they would be attending the council sitting and they were allowed to do so.
Mayor Vusi Nhlapho instructed them to leave. They were officially relieved of their duties by Nhlapho last week.
Questions sent to Mpumalanga ANC spokesperson Sasekani Manzini were not answered.
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