Members of the African National Congress in Sithembile (Ward 3) have thrown in their lot with the Inkatha Freedom Party, and will be casting their votes for the IFP during the November 27 by-election to elect a new ward councillor for Ward 3.

The ward comprises mainly Sithembile, Mpilonde, Nyanyeni and Stratford Farm. In a meeting called by the IFP on Sunday, those members of the ANC stressed that they are not IFP members but will be supporting the IFP in the upcoming by-election. They stated that it is because they are not satisfied with the ANC, and they are not confident in the candidate, Lungile Mbele (elected by the ANC). They believe that Dudu Nkosi, an IFP candidate, will do much better for the community of Ward 3.

Ms Nkosi previously represented the DA on the council before being replaced. Other parties running for the by-election are the NFP, represented by Bhekani Shabalala, and independent representative Mbuso Ntombela

. These members said that they are sick and tired of councillors who do not care about people’s needs, and who are voted for, only to turn their back on people and be in favour of their own friends or certain groups of people. They said they would not allow that to happen again in this ward; they want ‘a better life for all’.

“In this day and age we are no longer voting for a party but for a person, who will lead us and change the lives of the poor people,” said one ANC member. Unemployment was the main highlight of their grievances, and that councillors should put people’s needs before their own. Ms Nkosi was warned that if they do not work for the community, they can easily be removed.

“Remember, we are the people who are placing you in this position, and it is us again who will remove you,” a community member stated. Among the IFP dignitaries present were District Secretary, Councillor Bongiwe Mbatha, Councillor S Mbatha as well as councillors from Msinga. On Saturday angry commuters of Sithembile ‘chased away’ Endumeni Mayor T Mahaye as well as the various department officials under Sukuma Sakhe. Upon their arrival they were chased away, and the meeting did not continue.

One of the officials was also threatened. However, Mayor Mahaye explained that the departments later went back and spoke to the people. He condemned the ‘acts of barbarism’ and asked that there be ‘peace and unity in the communities of Endumeni’.

He also complimented the department on the way they conducted themselves – so ‘cool and collected’ during the quarrel – he said it demonstrates that they value service delivery.