Political turmoil as axed Deputy Mayor takes legal action against Newcastle Municipality

Political tensions are escalating in Newcastle, as Team Sugar South Africa’s (TSSA) President, Cllr Musa “Sugar” Thwala, has taken legal action against the Newcastle Municipality.

The situation unfolded after Cllr Thwala was ousted from his roles as Newcastle Municipality’s Deputy Mayor and from the Municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco).

As reported by Newcastillian News on 28 March 2024, Cllr Thwala was removed from his position after a vote of no confidence was brought against him, as he allegedly failed to attend three consecutive Exco Meetings.

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In response, Cllr Thwala has now initiated legal proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg High Court regarding the decision. He claimed that he initially sought an interdict against the decision and lodged a case at the High Court. The first court hearing reportedly took place on Monday, 8 April 2024. “The Court said the Municipality’s papers were not in order and the next court case will take place on 24 April 2024,” stated Thwala.

Explaining the events leading to his removal, Thwala told Newcastillian News that the relationship in the coalition-run Newcastle Municipality started souring a few months back. “Two months ago, I had decided it was time to start breaking away from the coalition, as it wasn’t working. Also, the Municipality claimed that I was removed because I had not attended three consecutive Exco meetings, but there weren’t three consecutive meetings held this year,” he pointed out.

Furthermore, he claimed that he felt his removal emanated from the fact that he had become an obstacle for the Municipality as he challenged the coalition regularly. One of the ways he allegedly challenged the council was the increase in councillors’ salaries.

“I asked why councillors were receiving an increase, as the staff working on the ground every day deserved it more,” highlighted Thwala.

Additionally, he claimed that he also challenged the Newcastle Municipality on service delivery and why revenue from the Newcastle Municipality’s collection was not being used to address ageing infrastructure such as leaking water pipes, leaking sewage and the potholes that ravaged the roads.

With Cllr Thwala intending to go the legal route against the Newcastle Municipality, he claimed that several TSSA members who held positions in the Municipality have since been dismissed from their positions. The former Deputy Mayor further alleged that some of his councillors have also been bought over, adding fuel to the fire.

Amid escalating tensions, Thwala expressed regret over the situation, asserting that the damaged relationship cannot be salvaged.

Newcastillian News contacted Newcastle Municipality’s Speaker, Cllr Thengi Zulu for comment on the matter. However, he noted the Municipality could not provide comment on the matter at the time as the matter was sub judice.

As tensions mount within Newcastle’s political landscape, it’s evident that the situation remains complex and contentious. Share your thoughts on this issue in the comments section below.