The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has recalled KwaDukuza Municipality Mayor Ali Ngidi and Deputy Mayor Scelinjabulo Cele following allegations of maladministration and financial misconduct.
The decision comes after an internal investigation revealed serious irregularities, including excessive spending on hired vehicles—amounting to over R1 million—and a security bill of R173,000 per month for the mayor. Additionally, Ngidi is accused of embezzling more than R35 million from municipal funds.
Service Delivery Collapses Amid Leadership Turmoil
The municipality has faced growing discontent from residents and workers. This week, municipal employees went on strike over unpaid salaries, exacerbating long-standing service delivery failures.
Residents expressed frustration over persistent water shortages and poor waste management. “Whenever you wake up in the morning, there isn’t water in the taps,” one resident said. Another added, “That mayor was not good. He was not concerned for the people. He was selfish… The service delivery is too bad.”
KwaDukuza has seen three mayors in the past five years, raising concerns over political instability. The official opposition welcomed the ANC’s decision but warned that frequent leadership changes harm governance.
“It is a problem. Reputational risk to any municipality without bold leadership is problematic,” an opposition representative said. “The factional divide within the ANC has brought us to this position again, just eight months later.”
ANC Vows to Restore Stability
The ANC’s Provincial Task Team (PTT) defended the recall, stating it was necessary to restore public trust. “When the people we serve are unhappy and allegations are proven correct, we have no choice but to act,” a party official said.
The ANC insists the move aligns with its renewal agenda, pledging to prioritize service delivery, economic growth, and tourism in KwaDukuza—one of the province’s fastest-growing municipalities.
Ngidi and Cele will remain in their roles until new appointments are made. Meanwhile, residents and workers await tangible improvements in basic services and governance.
