By Thabo Mosia
KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal — Lindiwe Nhaca, the Mayor of KwaDukuza, has formally requested that the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), Fikile Mbalula, review her recent removal from office. This development comes in the wake of actions taken by Bheki Mtolo, the ANC’s Provincial Secretary for KwaZulu-Natal, which have been described by Nhaca as “personal and subjective.”
In a letter dated 30 August 2024, Nhaca expresses her deep concerns over the manner in which her removal was executed. The letter, which has been widely circulated and seen by various media outlets, outlines the events leading up to her dismissal and criticizes the lack of due process, stating that her removal was driven by personal vendettas rather than adherence to ANC protocols.
The Context of the Removal
Nhaca’s letter to Mbalula is both detailed and pointed, accusing Mtolo of making the decision to remove her without following the proper procedures as outlined in the ANC constitution. She highlights that no formal communication or disciplinary action was taken against her before her dismissal was announced. Instead, Nhaca argues that her removal was a unilateral decision made by Mtolo, who allegedly acted on personal grudges.
Nhaca, who has been serving as the mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality in the Ilembe District, points out that the Regional Working Committee (RWC) of the ANC, responsible for overseeing her office, had not subjected her to any disciplinary processes or sanctions. She argues that the decision to remove her was made without giving her a fair hearing, which she believes violates her rights as a member of the ANC.
“I wish to place on record that I was never subjected to any form of disciplinary process by the ANC, and I was never found guilty of the said ill-discipline. Therefore, the decision to remove me from office is personal and subjective, and the rule of natural justice enshrined in the ANC constitution was not applied,” Nhaca writes in her letter.
Response from the ANC Women’s League
The ANC Women’s League in the General Gizenga Mpanza region has swiftly responded to Nhaca’s removal, announcing that they will hold a media briefing to address the issue. The league, known for its staunch advocacy for women’s rights and representation within the party, is expected to criticize the manner in which Nhaca’s dismissal was handled.
According to insiders, the Women’s League views Nhaca’s removal as a significant setback for gender equality within the ANC, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province, where women have historically faced numerous challenges in ascending to leadership positions.
Previous Media Reports and Insights
The controversy surrounding Nhaca’s removal has been brewing for some time. Earlier media reports, including those from the Sunday Tribune, indicated that there were threats to fire Nhaca well before the official announcement was made. These reports suggested that Mtolo had been maneuvering behind the scenes to remove Nhaca, citing her alleged failure to comply with party directives.
The Sunday Tribune article, published just a week before Nhaca’s removal, detailed the increasing tension within the ANC’s KwaDukuza caucus. It highlighted that there were growing concerns about Nhaca’s leadership style and her handling of certain municipal issues. However, the article also noted that many of these concerns were being amplified by internal party factions that were opposed to her leadership.
Nhaca’s letter to Mbalula corroborates these earlier reports, as she accuses Mtolo of using these concerns as a pretext to justify her removal. She argues that the issues raised against her were either exaggerated or entirely fabricated to serve the interests of those who sought to oust her from power.
The Role of the Provincial Secretary
Bheki Mtolo, as the Provincial Secretary, holds significant influence within the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal structures. His role involves overseeing the functioning of the party at the provincial level, including the management of internal disputes and the enforcement of party discipline. However, Nhaca’s letter suggests that Mtolo may have overstepped his boundaries in this instance.
Nhaca claims that Mtolo made false allegations against her, including that she had deliberately sabotaged the functioning of the KwaDukuza Municipality. She further alleges that Mtolo’s actions were motivated by a desire to install a new mayor who would be more amenable to his personal and political agenda.
Mtolo, on the other hand, has not publicly responded to these allegations. However, sources close to him have indicated that he believes Nhaca’s removal was necessary to restore order and discipline within the municipality. They argue that under Nhaca’s leadership, the municipality had become increasingly dysfunctional, with key services being neglected and municipal finances being mismanaged.
The Implications for the ANC
Nhaca’s appeal to Mbalula places the ANC in a difficult position. The party, which is already dealing with numerous internal conflicts and a declining public image, must now navigate this new crisis without further alienating its members or the public.
If Mbalula decides to intervene in Nhaca’s favor, it could set a precedent for other mayors and officials who feel aggrieved by their treatment within the party. On the other hand, if Mbalula upholds Mtolo’s decision, it could lead to further divisions within the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal structures, particularly among those who support Nhaca.
The ANC’s response to this situation will be closely watched by political analysts and party members alike. It will provide insight into how the party intends to manage internal disputes going forward and whether it is willing to take a stand against what many see as the abuse of power by provincial leaders.
The Next Steps
As of now, it remains unclear how Mbalula will respond to Nhaca’s request. The ANC has not issued an official statement on the matter, and it is likely that the party’s leadership will need time to carefully consider the implications of any decision.
Nhaca, for her part, has vowed to continue fighting for what she believes is her rightful position as the mayor of KwaDukuza. In her letter, she urges Mbalula to consider the broader implications of her removal, not just for her personally, but for the party as a whole.
“I am appealing to you, Secretary-General, to intervene in this matter and ensure that justice is done. This is not just about me; it is about the future of the ANC and our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice within our organization,” Nhaca writes.
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