ANC mayor 'removed' by KwaZulu-Natal parties

2012-09-12 11:30

(File, Sapa)

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal opposition parties in the uMtshezi municipality claim they have removed the ANC mayor after a vote of no confidence, the Witness reported on Wednesday.

ANC Mayor Bongani Dlamini was reportedly replaced by his deputy, Bhekithemba Dlamini of the National Freedom Party.

The ANC and the NFP formed a governing coalition in the municipality after the 2011 local election but their relationship has been rocky.

According to the Witness, the ANC was at a disadvantage because ANC councillor Jimmy Lembede was murdered three weeks ago and his fellow councillor Nelson Ndawonde died of natural causes.

"Currently, we have seven members in council. The IFP has four, the NFP has three and the DA has one.

They have taken the municipality and they have an even bigger plan to take the district municipality.

"We don't recognise the change and I'm still the mayor," Dlamini was quoted as saying in the Witness.

The DA's provincial chairperson Haniff Hoosen said the party had abstained from voting.

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube said Dlamini's removal was irregular.

"According to information at our disposal, the meeting continued despite the fact that there was no quorum and the legitimate presiding officer [the Speaker] was not present," she said.

- SAPA