EMALAHLENI – The council meeting in eMalahleni municipality on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, descended into chaos when two councillors facing serious criminal charges made an unexpected appearance.
Busi Hlumbane and Jerry Dijana attended the sitting, sparking immediate outrage from opposition parties.
The pair had been removed as Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) following charges of extortion and corruption, after their arrest on April 16, 2025. They are currently out on R10 000 bail each.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, tensions flared as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) vocally objected to their presence. Shouts and protests interrupted the proceedings, prompting urgent calls for order.
The then speaker, Mduduzi Nkosi, attempted to calm the storm, stating that Hlumbane and Dijana were not attending in their official capacities as MMCs and had been permitted by the investigating officer to be present at the meeting.
“This meeting is not in violation of their bail conditions,” Nkosi told the chamber. “They have communicated with the investigating officer, who gave verbal permission for their attendance.”
However, the explanation did little to appease the angry council members. Amid mounting pressure, Mayor Vusi Nhlapo stepped in to restore order. He ordered Hlumbane and Dijana to vacate the building immediately, stating that written confirmation from the investigating officer would be required for them to attend any future sittings.
“The integrity of this council is paramount,” Nhlapo said. “Until we receive official, written clearance, they cannot participate in council matters.”
The controversy stems from recent allegations that Hlumbane and Dijana accepted gratification in exchange for the extension of a municipal rental lease. Both councillors were relieved of their official duties last week following the charges.
The DA welcomed the mayor’s decisive action.
“We are pleased that the Executive has stepped up to protect the integrity of the council,” said DA councillor Anthonie Brits. “It was essential to ensure the meeting proceeded lawfully and transparently. We are also satisfied that the accused MMCs will no longer draw a salary from the municipality after being removed from their posts.”
The incident has cast a spotlight on ongoing corruption concerns within the eMalahleni Local Municipality and underscored growing public demand for accountability and transparency in local government.
