Sduduzo Gumede reclaimed the KwaDukuza mayoral seat this morning, defeating two challengers in a special council election at the KwaDukuza Town Hall.

The municipality has been without leadership since early July, when mayor Ali Ngidi and deputy Njabulo Cele were recalled amid scandals involving alleged misuse of municipal funds, luxury vehicle hired, private security costs and governance failures.

The former KwaDukuza and iLembe mayor received 38 votes via a secret ballot, ahead of the Independent Alliance’s Melisizwe ‘Commie’ Ntleko (10 votes) and the Democratic Alliance’s Privi Makhan (9 votes).

One councillor was absent and another abstained.

The position of deputy mayor remains vacant (former deputy mayor, Njabulo Cele, resigned at the same time as the mayor).

Dolly Govender remains in her position as council speaker.

Opposition party councillors congratulated the new mayor on his victory, urging him to unite the council and restore stability in the municipality.

In his acceptance address, Gumede acknowledged the negative publicity and recent scandals that have plagued KwaDukuza.

He pledged transparency, accountability and open engagement with residents.

“My door will remain open to discuss issues that require solutions,” said Gumede.

“To my colleagues, it does not matter whether you have the numbers or which party you represent. I believe we need each other, and we must work together because we share a common goal – serving the people of KwaDukuza.”

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