The rumble over homophobic comments made by former Umzinyathi Mayor, Rev Dr James Mthethwa, are continuing with the DA demanding that his apology is not enough and that he publicly withdraw his statement.
The motion was made by Mergan Chetty, the DA’s Deputy Provincial leader, who also leads the DA’s Umzinyathi constituency and is also member of the National Council of Provinces, NCOP, where the motion was made last week.
Ironically, Rev Mthethwa has been ‘re-deployed’ by the ANC to the NCOP following the controversy and other allegations of wrong-doings, according to opposition parties.
The NCOP is tasked with monitoring local government in the country. This has incensed the DA with Mr Chetty saying that ‘his removal as Mayor is bitter-sweet and merely camouflages the disgraced Mayor’s actions by seemingly promoting him rather than punishing him’.
“This is the ANC strategy when it comes to dealing with errant comrades. Residents of Umzinyathi must not be fooled by this camouflage and the attempt to appease the community that was appalled by his hate speech. The reality is that he should be removed from public office if the ANC is really serious about protecting the right of equality of all citizens as enshrined in the constitution.”

Former District Mayor, Rev James Mthethwa
Mr Chetty said ‘the only way to punish the ANC is at the ballot box and vote them out of power in Umzinyathi ‘and give the people the government they deserve such as in the Western Cape where service delivery is king’.
Asked about the apparent power vacuum left by the removal of Rev Mthethwa, Mr Chetty said the DA waits with anticipation as to which the next incumbent would be. “There are two camps in the ANC in KZN – one lead by Secretary Sihle Zikalala and the other by Premier Mchunu – so once a Mayor is elected we will know which camp is leading in the area.
“However, residents should know that there will be no light at the end of the tunnel unless the voters vote them (the ANC) out of power in the Umzinyathi District.”