IEC confirms eMbalenhle’s Ward 14 by-election for November 5

An Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) notice published in the Mpumalanga Provincial Gazette has confirmed that a by-election is scheduled for Ward 14 in eMbalenhle in the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) on November 5.

This move follows the resignation of Clr Jabu Zwane. Zwane resigned from the ANC and the GMM several months ago. Zwane, who was also the GMM MMC for Revenue Enhancement, submitted his resignation letter to the municipality on May 28, stating that he was stepping down due to unresolved issues within the GMM and the ANC.

He claimed that at the time, he had raised his issues multiple times without a response. This is not the first time Zwane, the GMM and the ANC have differed. In 2021, he faced disciplinary action from the ANC in the Gert Sibande District Municipality.

According to a notice served to him at the time, he was charged with alleged misconduct related to November 22, 2021, the day new councillors were sworn in at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre, and was accused of failing to attend the ANC caucus that day.

He was also accused of telling ANC deployees that he did not support the collective caucus decision on nominating candidates for council positions and failing to participate in their election.

According to the notice, as a result of Zwane’s conduct or failure to act, the ANC’s nominated candidates did not receive the expected number of votes.

It was alleged that Zwane showed fellow councillors or comrades a photo of his marked ballot paper, which reflected a vote contrary to the ANC’s decision.

At the time, Zwane told the Ridge Times he was charged because he had been vocal about the Section 106 forensic report, and expressed surprise that the person set to preside over his disciplinary hearing was also implicated in the same Section 106 forensic investigation report.

After his resignation, the municipality’s first declaration of vacancy was rejected by the IEC because the GMM had failed to meet the legal deadline for declaring the vacancy.

Section 18, paragraphs 1(a) and (b) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, states that when a councillor resigns, dies or is expelled by their party, the municipal manager must notify the IEC’s chief electoral officer within 14 days.

The IEC Mpumalanga confirmed that the GMM submitted the vacancy declaration on August 5, more than two months after Zwane’s resignation.

The municipal manager, on behalf of the GMM, should have immediately notified the IEC upon receiving the resignation letter.

Since the declaration was rejected due to late submission, the IEC suggested that the GMM approach the MEC for Human Settlements, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashile, who then had 14 days to declare the vacancy to the IEC. This was done.

However, Zwane later disputed the GMM’s declaration. He told the Ridge Times that he had withdrawn his resignation in July following discussions with ANC leadership. He said he was shocked to hear that a vacancy had been declared.

Political parties have begun campaigning in Ward 14, eMbalenhle, in preparation for the upcoming by-election. Zwane said he would not contest the election.

Residents of Ward 14, which covers parts of exts 14 and 18, welcomed Zwane’s resignation. They believed it led to an influx of daily service delivery activities in their area.

Sipho Mthimunye, a resident of Ward 14’s Wellas Section, told the Ridge Times that roads are being graded, something the municipality had neglected for years.

“This proves that we are not serviced by choice, not because of a shortage of resources. Politicians are now on our necks daily, telling us lies because they want our votes. We learnt from the Zwane debacle that the next councillor should also not stay in this seat for too long.

“If you want your community to be serviced as a councillor, you must resign, then your community will be serviced until the day of elections,” said Mthimunye.