By Celani Sikhakhane
A council meeting to elect a new deputy mayor for the uThukela District in KwaZulu-Natal was abruptly cancelled on Friday due to deep divisions within the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
The meeting, scheduled for 3 pm in Ladysmith, was called off at 9 am when Speaker Thembelihle Nqubuka issued a brief note cancelling it without providing any explanation.
This has sparked anger among some IFP members who support IFP District Chairperson Mbuzeleni Cyril Mkhize, who was expected to secure the position.
“Mkhize was supposed to be the Mayor of uThukela District Municipality in 2021, as he worked hard to bring the IFP back into power in the district from the ANC,” said a source.
“Unfortunately, the ‘Triple K’ cabal, which is against anyone who supports President Velenkosini Hlabisa, blocked Mkhize from becoming mayor.”
The source added that the same group is now frustrating efforts to elect Mkhize as deputy mayor.
The IFP in the district is reportedly divided into two factions: the “Triple K” group, which backs KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, and the “AU” group, which supports IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa.
Mkhize is aligned with the AU group, which is pushing for Hlabisa to serve a second term as the party’s president.
Pictured above: IFP UThukela District Chairperson Mbuzeleni Cyril Mkhize whose election was cancelled at the eleventh hour.
Source: Supplied
