The African National Congress (ANC) is expected to reinstate Lindi Nhaca as KwaDukuza mayor, less than eight months after her controversial exit.

Sources within the ANC have told the Courier that Nhaca is the front runner for the upcoming mayoral election. The election was originally scheduled for a special council meeting on Thursday, July 31, but has since been postponed, with no new date announced.

Former iLembe District mayor Sduduzo Gumede is said to be the most likely candidate to be appointed as her deputy.

This follows the resignations of mayor Ali Ngidi and his deputy Sicelinjabulo Cele. The pair stepped down under mounting political and public pressure, stemming from a series of scandals and persistent service delivery failures. Ironically, Ngidi assumed office following Nhaca’s own controversial departure at the end of September last year.

Ngidi and Cele, who were elected just over a month later on November 5, tendered their resignations following a directive from the ANC, although they will remain in their roles until their successors are officially elected. According to ANC provincial task team co-ordinator Michael Mabuyakhulu, the recall decision forms part of the party’s broader strategy of “rebuilding and renewal.”

Ngidi’s brief tenure was dogged by controversy.

Public dissatisfaction surged in the wake of multiple scandals, including a car hire debacle that saw more than R1-million spent on vehicles, along with a monthly personal security bill exceeding R173 000. Both Ngidi and Cele have been ordered to repay a portion of the car hire expenses, particularly those incurred before formal council approval was granted.

The administration also struggled with a wave of crises including widespread and prolonged electricity outages, labour unrest involving hundreds of municipal workers and the embezzlement of R35.7-million in January.

Multiple investigations into the municipality’s affairs are currently under way, led by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa). These probes focus on numerous allegations of mismanagement.

Public frustration continues to grow, with civic organisations and residents demanding accountability and new leadership.

The ANC had not responded at the time of publication.

•  Note: This story differs from that which appeared in print and was originally posted online. The mayor’s election was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 31, but was postponed after the initial publication of this story. It has since been updated to reflect that change. The headline was changed from “Former KDM mayor Lindile Nhaca expected to be reinstated this week” to “UPDATE: Former KDM mayor Lindile Nhaca expected to be reinstated, official election postponed”.

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