The departure of Makhosini Nkosi as Mayor of Newcastle was sudden.
Despite rumours suggesting his resignation followed threats of violence against him due to a probe into tenders, the African National Congress in the region has defended Nkosi’s decision.
In a message forwarded by Nkosi, he confirmed he would be ‘pursuing a career in the legal profession’ by ‘joining the Durban Bar of Advocates from 15 January’.
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It was further emphasised his decision to resign was voluntary – without any pressure from ruling party, the ANC.
While Nkosi himself did not meet with the media, Regional Secretary Chris Mhlophe confirmed Nkosi had tendered his resignation and also maintained there was no pressure put on him to resign.
‘He stepped down on his own’
“There is no bad blood or sinister motives and Comrade Nkosi was offered an opportunity he could not turn down,” said Mhlophe.
“We understood his decision and thank him for respecting and serving the ANC.”
Mhlophe added that Deputy Mayor Dudu Sibiya, would stand in for Nkosi in the interim, saying there had been not yet been any discussion of a replacement.
“There is a process we follow. We look at the political environment, skills, experience, charisma and the history and involvement of the person within the ANC. We then come up with a suitable candidate who will be able to serve.”
He said he wished Nkosi only the best in pursuing his legal career.
“He did well in Newcastle, and chose to step down on his own. We hope he grows in his legal career, and whoever takes over will be committed to growing the [Newcastle] municipality further.”
Councillors worry about ‘serious warning signs’
Opposition councillors are not quite convinced.
DA Councillor, Bertie Meiring said: “I can’t understand why this was so sudden. They say it’s not party pressure but we are not sure what’s going on. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
Meiring voiced his concern for the community of Newcastle, saying the town needed stable leadership during these critical times.
“Things are going from bad to worse in this town. The community is already suffering because there is no money for maintenance. Look at the infrastructure, rates and taxes, roads etc. These are all serious warning signs.”
Meiring said the party would have to wait and see what happened from this point.
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Resignation is a total shock
IFP councillor, Dr Koos Vorster, commented on behalf of the IFP caucus in Newcastle.
“The IFP caucus has noted the resignation of the Mayor of Newcastle municipality with total shock,” the statement read.
“It is clear that the ANC has no regard for service delivery in Newcastle town. For the last seven years key positions have not been filled leaving the municipality in limbo. The present council inherited a situation in August 2016 where R421m current liabilities was not cashbacked.
On numerous occasions the IFP requested the ANC to institute a turnaround strategy but nothing has been done to date.
In June 2018, at the end of the financial year of 2017/18 unauthorised expenditure stood at R918m – this is money that was spent while there was no budget.”
He added that fruitless and wasteful expenditure stood at R1,5m – money that was spent without getting any benefit.
“The ANC has totally failed Newcastle and are not capable of managing our town. The resignation of the mayor is just another action that will further destabilise this municipality.”
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