KwaDukuza mayor Lindile Nhaca is to be recalled from her mayoral seat less than three years after her election in 2021.

Her pending removal was confirmed by provincial African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele, after a party media briefing in Durban this morning.

At the briefing, provincial ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo announced widespread “reconfiguration” in the KwaDukuza Municipality (KDM), which includes changes in the ‘troika’ and municipal committees.

Troika refers to the elected political leadership in KDM – in this case four officials – currently consisting of the mayor, deputy-mayor (left vacant since Thulani Ntuli’s death last March), speaker Dolly Govender and chief whip Humphrey Mbatha, all of whom are ANC members.

The specific reconfiguration of those positions has not been announced and it is unclear whether Nhaca will take up another role within the troika or be removed from KwaDukuza leadership completely.

“During this period leading up to the local government elections, we have a responsibility to ensure stability in all ANC-led municipalities,” said Mtolo.

“We have agreed as the PEC [Provincial Executive Committee] to work hard to strengthen the ANC and restore its image and effectiveness as a vehicle for fundamental political, social and economic transformation.”

“We have further agreed on the importance of the reconfiguration of the municipal committees to sharpen and strengthen the service delivery machinery.

“As the governing party, we undertake to ensure co-operation of all political parties in the interest of service delivery.”

He said the leadership in the General Gizenga Mpanza Regional ANC – which includes KwaDukuza – would be tasked with ensuring a smooth transition.

The decisions will likely come as little surprise to Nhaca, whose job has been under threat since at least July 10, when a leaked voice note exposed divisions between the KwaDukuza leadership and the provincial ANC.

The voice note was taken at a regional ANC meeting during which Mtolo identified Ward 29 councillor Sicelinjabulo Cele as a potential mayoral replacement.

But no name has officially been announced as yet and the decision will first need to be confirmed by ANC secretary general, Fikile Mbalula.

Visit the ANC KwaZulu-Natal Facebook page to watch the press briefing in full.

• This story has been updated. The original story headline read ‘KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca recalled by provincial ANC, no replacement named’. The headline, and the first two lines of the story, have been amended to reflect that, according to the mayor’s office, the mayor remains in office until her recall has followed a formal process. The North Coast Courier apologises for any confusion that the original headline may have caused.

This is a developing story, and we will keep readers updated as it unfolds.

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