NKANGALA – The ANC in Nkangala has downplayed speculation that the resignation of former eMalahleni Speaker Mduduzi Nkosi, popularly known as Mswati, was prompted by a memorandum of grievances submitted by residents.
The party confirmed that Nkosi has been redeployed as a councillor in the Nkangala District Municipality (NDM). This follows his resignation last week, shortly after the DA announced it would table a motion of no confidence, citing his alleged unfitness to hold office.
A month ago, eMalahleni residents handed over a memorandum listing various allegations against Nkosi during a #MswatiMustFall protest march. The memorandum, addressed to the ANC and Executive Mayor Vusi Nhlapho, included accusations of money laundering, interference with local businesses, and causing division within the community.
Regional Secretary Sello Matshoga told Highveld Chronicle that Nkosi’s resignation had nothing to do with the grievances outlined in the memorandum.
He explained that over 90 percent of the allegations still need to be investigated and confirmed. “The memorandum has therefore been handed over to the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) for investigation,” he said.
Matshoga further revealed that both Nkosi and Chief Whip Qondi Maseko have been moved to NDM, while Millicent Shabangu and Thabang Mathebula have been redeployed to eMalahleni.
“Remember when Conny Nkalitshana [former mayor of eMalahleni] was redeployed to Nkangala District, we, as the region, conducted an assessment of the eMalahleni troika, and the outcome showed they were not working cohesively. Based on that, we submitted recommendations to the province. So when these issues resurfaced, the province implemented those earlier recommendations,” he explained.
“We have since met with both the Chief Whip and the Speaker and explained the outcome to them.”
However, Matshoga declined to disclose the new roles the redeployed councillors will assume. “I think it would be premature at this stage to say what their new roles will be. Let’s wait until they are sworn in as councillors — we will know thereafter,” he said.
