EMALAHLENI – The ANC in the Nkangala region has revealed the likely candidates for the hot seat of Emalahleni executive mayor. This follows the resignation of Leah Mabuza, who stepped down a fortnight ago to become a member of the Mpumalanga legislature.
With Mabuza’s departure, speculation has arisen around three potential candidates: Salome Sithole, Busi Hlumbane, and Vusi Nhlapho.
ANC regional secretary Sello Matshoga confirmed to Highveld Chronicle that the names circulating on social media are indeed accurate. “These are the three names that the ANC in the Nkangala region has preferred as the mayoral candidates for Emalahleni municipality,” he said. “The three names have been sent to the provincial executive committee (PEC) for recommendations and will be interviewed by the national interview committee panel.”
Matshoga added that it won’t be long before the municipality has a new executive mayor. “Before the end of next week, the three candidates will be interviewed, and the office of the secretary-general will announce the best candidate,” he said.
Salome Sithole was one of four municipal mayors in the province the ANC dismissed in 2015 for “underperformance.” She was removed alongside Caroline Morajane (Lekwa in Standerton), the late Tiny Mthimunye (Dr JS Moroka in Siyabuswa), and Bafana Ncongwane (Thaba Chweu in Lydenburg). Sithole was succeeded by Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, now the deputy minister of correctional services.
An ANC councillor, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, expressed confusion over Sithole’s removal. “When Salome Sithole was the executive mayor, the municipality was doing very well. Unfortunately, she was removed, which was a bad decision. An administrator was appointed, and the municipality really went down the drain,” the councillor said.
Busi Hlumbane currently serves as a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) responsible for technical services, while Vusi Nhlapho is the MMC for development planning.
May the best candidate win!
