Tensions are escalating within Newcastle’s political landscape following the expulsion of Councillor Musa Thwala from his role as Deputy Mayor and efforts to expel him from his party, Team Sugar South Africa (TSSA).
During a council meeting on Wednesday morning, 15 May 2024, a group of African National Congress (ANC) councillors demanded clarification regarding Cllr Thwala’s removal from his Deputy Mayor seat and the Executive Committee.
Additionally, TSSA members exited the meeting early, seeking answers and resolution.
Amidst the heightened emotions during the council meeting, Newcastle Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube, reassured attendees that proper protocols had been followed. He clarified that the meeting’s primary focus was on the Integrated Development Plan rather than on TSSA matters.
However, when speaking with Newcastillian News, Cllr Musa Thwala pointed out that the conflict between himself and Newcastle Municipality was far from over.
As reported by Newcastillian News on 28 March 2024, Cllr Thwala was removed from his seat as Deputy Mayor and the Executive Committee, after he failed to attend three consecutive meetings, as per the municipality.
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This was followed by Cllr Thwala taking legal action against the Newcastle Municipality in April 2024, with him stating that he was removed from his seat due to him becoming an obstacle to the current administration.
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Reflecting on his journey over recent weeks, Cllr Thwala has found himself in a battle not only against the Newcastle Municipality but also against members of his own political party. This follows four TSSA members who attempted to have him expelled from Team Sugar South Africa.
The four members sent out letters calling for Thwala’s expulsion from not only council but from the very political party that he created. The four included the TSSA’s Deputy President and General Secretary.
“I am still president of Team Sugar South Africa and the TSSA constitution states that the President of the party cannot be contested,” he stressed, pointing out that this meant he could not simply be kicked out of his own party at a whim.
Moreover, the four members, he stated, have since been expelled from Team Sugar South Africa, as they were being used by other political parties to cause discord within Thwala’s political party.
He further noted that they did not adhere to the TSSA mandate. “The four expelled members are now going to court to try and get an interdict to have their expulsion removed,” said Cllr Thwala.
He further noted that their desire to acquire an interdict on his decision stemmed from the fact that their expulsion would mean that they would have to give up their seats within the Amajuba District Municipality and the Newcastle political sphere, as their seats belonged to TSSA and not them.
While preparing for a legal battle with the four, Cllr Thwala added that his case against the Newcastle Municipality was still ongoing, and he was not going to give up. “I was recently approached and asked to drop the case against the Municipality, and if I did so, the Newcastle Municipality would pay the legal costs. But I refused, as I believe that there were irregularities in my removal, and they know that. All I want is for justice to be served,” he emphasised.
Despite not revealing further information on the court proceedings, he claimed that he would be returning and he had his eye on both the Newcastle Municipality and the Amajuba District Municipality.
“I still have a party to run and there is the next round of local government elections which are coming up, and I will be bringing changes to Newcastle,” noted Thwala.
With this in mind, Councillor Thwala asserted that residents should be aware that upon his return to the local municipal sphere, there would be a renewed focus on service delivery. He expressed his belief that the current administration does not prioritise the community’s best interests and emphasised the importance of addressing even basic issues such as repairing local roads and fixing the failing sewage infrastructure.
Despite setting his sights on a triumphant return, Thwala explained that facing battles from within his political party’s ranks while fighting against the Newcastle Municipality, has taken its toll with him learning valuable lessons.
“I have learned that there are times when you try to uplift someone, removing them from the ground, they will still turn on you. But I still want to serve the community and see the municipality focus on service delivery,” concluded Thwala.
With the former deputy mayor juggling two battles, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
One Response
Firstly the bylaws were not gazetted. I had to bring it to their attention. Subsequently it was gazetted so now it’s legal to bring a charge against offenders
Implementation is now going to a challenge after so many years of lawlessness.