Nkobongo township was brought to a standstill this morning by infighting in the local ANC branch.

Members of the Patrick Mbambo branch blocked roads with burning tyres in a protest against Ward 8 councillor and regional executive committee member Ali Ngidi, who they are accusing of corruption and undermining the branch leadership.

Ngidi is also accused of asking for donations to the party from companies near the township, including Umhlali Quarry, but never used that money for the party’s programmes.

“He asked us to protest against Umhlali Quarry several times in 2017, demanding the employment of local people.

“After those protests, Ngidi went behind our backs to collect money. He recently asked us to go and protest against a company in Shakaskraal, however, we did not agree because we are tired of him using us for his personal gain,” said ANCYL chairperson Sizwe Mthiyane.

Another group defended councillor Ngidi and the two groups clashed.

“I was assaulted and nearly got stabbed by Ngidi’s supporter. The sad part is that I was once nearly killed, when we were protesting in support of him. But today, he brings thugs who are not even members of the ANC to attack members of the ANC, yet he is a REC member,” said Mthiyane.

Ngidi replied that the people protesting in his defence were members of the ANC and denied having done anything wrong.

“As a councillor, I have the right to seek funding for community programmes. They are just playing dirty political games,” said Ngidi.

Cllr Ngidi said the Youth League leadership had been disbanded recently for breaking the codes and conduct rules of the league and said this was the reason some Youth League members were now trying to mobilize community members against him.

Both factions were addressed by REC members Njabulo Cele and Sbu Mhlongo, who promised to report to the regional leadership. The situation is now calm.

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