Ward 28 by-election campaigning turned ugly last week when Shakaskraal Primary principal Vinesh Singh was accused of political coercion.

Singh allegedly instructed school teachers and pupils to wear uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) regalia and threatened staff with dismissal if they refused. The accusations prompted a visit from the provincial education MEC Sipho Hlomuka last Friday, ahead of an investigation into the incident.

“We will not tolerate political campaigns within our schools. This incident serves as a reminder to prioritise education over politics,” said Hlomuka.

Department spokesperson Mlu Mtshali added that, if proven, the allegations could constitute a dismissible offence.

Political activity during school hours is prohibited under Section 33A of the South African Schools Act, which forbids campaigning, distributing party materials or displaying political symbols unless linked to the curriculum.

Singh did not respond to requests for comment.

The incident occurred during the lead-up to today’s (April 2) hotly-contested KwaDukuza by-election in Shakaskraal.

Former African National Congress (ANC) councillor, Doeshiee Govender, resigned his seat and is now looking to regain it as an MK candidate against the ANC’s New Mlondo, a respected local induna.

Govender came to Singh’s defence, calling the allegations “politicking” and accusing the department of racial bias – though he provided no evidence. Govender claimed staff had requested MK T-shirts and Singh merely facilitated the delivery.

“Once again, the ANC is trying to exploit racism by suspending an Indian principal. If he made a mistake, a warning would suffice,” said Govender.

A leaked voice note, allegedly featuring Govender warning of community protests should Singh be suspended, has also surfaced. He would not confirm or deny its authenticity.

Ward 28 was the only ward in KwaDukuza won by the ANC during the last national and provincial elections, making this by-election a critical contest. If successful, Govender would become the first MK Party councillor in the iLembe District.

The by-election race has been marred by controversy throughout, with both major parties accusing the other of voter rigging, claims that were later proven to be true.

According to IEC regional spokesperson, Paul Daniel, 65 people were found to have illegally attempted to change their ward registration so they could vote in the by-election. He said IEC controls were in place to prevent fraudulent voting and that electoral staff were ready for the 3 775 registered voters on Wednesday.

In the final weekend before the vote, both parties pulled in their big guns, with MK president, Jacob Zuma, and police minister and NEC member, Senzo Mchunu, campaigning on Friday and Sunday respectively.

Zuma urged supporters to turn out in numbers and reiterated MK’s unproven claim that the party was cheated during last year’s national elections.

“Focus on winning this ward,” he said, addressing a large crowd on Friday.

Mchunu focused on the ANC’s liberation legacy and its work with diverse communities in his address at the North Coast Agricultural College.

“No other organisation has delivered freedom like the ANC,” he said.

During a door-to-door campaign, ANC leaders also visited the historic Moodley homestead, where the late freedom fighter Justice Gizenga Mpanza once found refuge.

Aside from the MK and ANC candidates in what is widely-tipped to be a two horse race, Mzukiswa Mabengu (Inkatha Freedom Party) and Gibson Mbuthu (Economic Freedom Fighters) are also running.

The outcome of the by-election could be telling for the future of KwaDukuza’s political landscape.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.