RNM ward councillor resigns before elections
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Ward 14 councillor Sabelo Malunga who recently resigned said this was not the first time he tried to resign.
Former president Jacob Zuma’s relative, Sabelo Malunga, the Ward 14 councillor in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, recently resigned after allegations of being a member of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.
In a statement, the ANC Tolomane Mnyayiza region said Malunga’s resignation is ‘good riddance’ because it was allegedly established that he was secretly working with the newly formed political party.
However, Malunga said him trying to resign as an ANC councillor is not something new.
He alleged being related to the MK party leader has also resulted in him being harassed by some ANC members.
“My biggest sin was a family ritual performed by Zuma in March at home since we are related through his mother’s side, MaMzobe. Then, my picture with him was circulated by ANC comrades who lied that we were together because I am a member of the MK party. I was then subjected to threats that I would be fired after the elections. Every day was painful for me in the council meeting due to my comrades who turned against me, spreading lies that I might take the municipality to the MK party. This is painful because I never chose to be Zuma’s relative,” he said.
He added that although he has resigned from the council, he is still an ANC member.
Meanwhile, ANC Tolomane Mnyayiza regional secretary, Xolani Luthuli, said Malunga resigned after he realised that his clandestine activities had been exposed when his picture attending a meeting of another party started circulating on social media.
Luthuli said Malunga earned a salary as an ANC ward councillor while working with another political party.
“This not only demonstrates how self-centred he is, but it is also a betrayal of the trust bestowed on him by the community and the ANC. This resignation presents an opportunity for our organisation to select a candidate who will prioritise the needs of the people, ensure essential services are provided, and actively engage in our party’s programmes. In our 2021 Local Government Election manifesto, we pledged to uphold the highest standards of leadership and service,” said Luthuli.
He added that they outlined the calibre of councillor needed: those who are dedicated, hardworking, and deeply committed to the movement’s principles and values.
“Malunga’s resignation is a blessing in disguise,” said Luthuli, adding that it will allow them to select a candidate who meets and remains consistent with this high standard throughout their tenure as ANC councillor.
“There is no room for complacency within the ANC. We want to assure the community of Ward 14 that for this by-election, the ANC will field a candidate who will rise to the occasion, address the challenges facing the ward and further contribute to the overall development of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality,” said Luthuli.
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