uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) councillor Doeshiee Govender has alleged that a faction within the African National Congress (ANC) is plotting to challenge the appointments of the party’s mayoral and deputy mayoral candidates in KwaDukuza.

The municipality has experienced almost seven weeks without a permanent mayor, with interviews beginning this week.

Govender released a recording of ANC councillors allegedly plotting to vote against the provincial task team’s decision to reappoint former KwaDukuza mayor Lindi Nhaca and former iLembe mayor Sduduzo Gumede.

Govender claimed some councillors want Ali Ngidi and Njabulo Cele returned as mayor and deputy mayor instead.

ANC regional task team spokesperson Lucky Makhathini confirmed the party is aware of the recording, adding the matter will be discussed at their meeting on Friday.

The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal had originally resolved to appoint Nhaca and Gumede on July 31, but the election was postponed after the national executive committee (NEC) ordered interviews to be conducted. Provincial leaders initially argued interviews were unnecessary as both candidates had mayoral experience.

Gumede has since been sworn in as a councillor, replacing ANC PR councillor Promise Dube. Nhaca, who was removed last September through a vote of no confidence, is also back in the running. Makhathini said her name had been cleared, though no formal report has been presented.

The ANC currently holds 28 of KwaDukuza’s 59 council seats, while opposition parties control 31 – raising the possibility of an opposition coalition taking power if united.

Opposition leaders have slammed the delay. ActionSA caucus leader Nel Sewraj said the leadership vacuum has left the municipality in “governance paralysis,” with ongoing electricity outages and infrastructure challenges. The Democratic Alliance caucus leader Privi Makhan accused the ANC of “holding people to ransom,” saying completed projects cannot be handed over without a mayor in office.

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