KwaDukuza council elected a new mayor and deputy mayor in a special council meeting on Tuesday after months of political jostling and uncertainty.

Taking over the mantle of mayor is Nkobongo councillor, Ali Ngidi (40), with Groutville councillor Njabulo Cele (41) named his deputy. Their election signals a fresh chapter for the municipality.
The two African National Congress (ANC) councillors each received 47 votes, defeating Democratic Alliance candidate Privi Makhan, who secured ten and nine votes for mayor and deputy mayor, respectively at the KwaDukuza town hall.

Ngidi’s appointment follows a vote of no confidence against former mayor Lindi Nhaca, while Cele succeeds Thulani “Mbazo” Ntuli, who died in March last year. In his acceptance speech, Ngidi addressed the challenges faced by KwaDukuza in recent months, describing it as a period of tension and instability. He emphasised that their election marked the end of this uncertainty, setting a course for unity and professional governance. To this end Ngidi called for a clear division between political and administrative roles within the municipality.

“Officials must uphold the values of public administration as outlined in section 195 of the Constitution, maintaining high ethical standards and accountability,” said Ngidi. He said some officials could not avoid the temptation of taking sides in what was a political contestation that required a political solution. “It is important for all of us, politicians and officials alike, to stick to our lanes,” said Ngidi.

He also highlighted KwaDukuza as a fast-growing area that appeals to investors and developers alike. However, he acknowledged the pressing challenges faced by local government, including service delivery issues, unemployment and rising costs of living. He noted that citizens are increasingly concerned with crime, corruption and other socio-economic challenges, such as drug and alcohol abuse among the youth, housing shortages and land invasions.

Ngidi called on the council to set “time-bound, measurable, and achievable” objectives to improve residents’ lives, emphasising the need for unity beyond political differences. His vision includes enhancing financial management and increasing efficiency to address growing costs, declining collection rates and energy losses. He concluded by urging officials and councillors to work collaboratively, aiming to reach the end of the term with accomplishments they can all be proud of.

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