Tensions are running high in Dundee as the Endumeni Municipality prepares for the election of its new mayor on Tuesday, 19 November 2024. This follows the resignation of former Mayor Cllr Siyabong Ndlovu last week, amid a series of allegations and increasing pressure from political opponents.
Cllr Ndlovu’s resignation followed multiple votes of no confidence, including the most recent from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The pressure had been mounting for some time, with allegations of incompetence and misconduct being brought against the former mayor.
In a joint statement issued by the ANC and ABC Caucuses, Cllrs Mbulelo Phakathi of the ABC and Siphamandla Kheswa of the ANC stated that it was well-known that Cllr Ndlovu had struggled with his duties as mayor, and had survived several attempts to remove him from office due to incompetence and serious allegations of misconduct.
The two councillors further explained that Ndlovu’s resignation followed his attempt to institute disciplinary proceedings against the Accounting Officer and the Director of Corporate Services, in connection with serious misconduct allegations. These included irregular staff appointments, the appointment of service providers in violation of the Municipality’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) policy and treasury regulations, and abuse of power.
With Ndlovu now out of office, Cllrs Phakathi and Kheswa expressed concern over the forthcoming election.
“Unfortunately, Endumeni is once again poised to elect a mayor with no council experience,” they said. “The ANC and ABC strongly oppose the election of someone who will need a period of less than a year to find their footing and adapt to this complex environment, especially as the situation continues to deteriorate.”
Originally scheduled for Thursday, 14 November 2024, the mayoral election was delayed after an anonymous caller contacted the Endumeni Municipality and a bomb threat was issued ahead of the council meeting. While insiders at Endumeni Municipality confirmed that the bomb threat was not related to the election, it added to the already tense atmosphere. “This is not the first bomb threat at Endumeni Municipality, and it’s believed that the call came at a particularly inopportune time, further escalating tensions,” said one municipal source.
Endumeni Municipality’s Communications Manager, Mr PG Mablisa, confirmed that the election would proceed on Tuesday, 19 November 2024, with safety measures in place to ensure the security of all attendees and that Dundee would have a new mayor before the end of the day.
As Dundee grapples with this political crisis, what are your thoughts on the situation? Share your views in the comment section below.
