The ANC in KZN has suspended seven councillors in Umzumbe Local Municipality.

This occurred after a special council meeting was held last Friday, to elect a new ‘mayor’.

The ANC had prohibited its councillors from attending, however, they still attended after the former speaker, Sbonelo Maphumulo, who was expelled in December 2023, called for the meeting.

In a statement released by the ANC, ward councillors Thulo Mkhugo, Sibonakaliso Hadebe, Bheki Ngema, Mduduzi Msomi, Mhlengi Luthuli, Thuthukani Jeza and Smangele Dlamini have been suspended.

“As the ANC, we wish to inform our structures and the people of Umzumbe that we have summarily suspended the membership of seven councillors who participated in a ‘circus’ purporting to be a special council meeting last Friday,” said provincial spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele.

The suspended councillors are expected to adhere to various conditions.

They are not allowed to convene or attend any meetings of the ANC. Their suspension also means that they are not allowed to call any community meeting as ANC public representatives.

They are also prohibited from attending Umzumbe council meetings as ANC public representatives.

Mndebele said failure to adhere to the conditions of their suspension will lead to their immediate expulsion from the ANC.

“All members who swear allegiance to the ANC have to accept that they serve the ANC and ultimately the people under the banner of the organisation.”

Mndebele said that last December, the ANC had announced the expulsion of Maphumulo, after a disciplinary process following a litany of charges of misconduct against him.

“It is public knowledge that the seven councillors voted on their own accord with the IFP in this staged circus which elected a fake mayor.”

Mndebele said after Maphumulo’s expulsion, the ANC informed the Independent Electoral Commission that he could no longer occupy the seat of the ANC in Umzumbe Local Municipality, and therefore a vacancy was declared.

“His attempts to usurp powers and the authority of the council speaker clandestinely have failed dismally.”

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