IFP expels two councillors suspected of bribery

File photo: Motshwari Mofokeng

File photo: Motshwari Mofokeng

Published Aug 24, 2016

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Durban - The IFP suspects foul play over the decision by two of its councillors in Edumbe to vote with the ANC, violating a co-operation agreement that the party has with the DA and the EFF.

One of the councillors had allegedly accepted a position of deputy mayor when he was nominated by the ANC.

The ANC denied it had bribed anyone.

Nonetheless, the party expelled the two on Tuesday.

They are said to be proportional representation councillors and the party could replace them with “loyal councillors” as early as Wednesday.

According to the Electoral Commission, in the Edumbe Municipality the ANC achieved 50.65% support with eight seats, while the DA received 29.26% with five seats and the IFP 15.57% with three seats.

The ANC and the opposition are tied at eight seats each. With the IFP expelling the two councillors, it means the council falls to the ANC majority. It was previously under the ANC and the NFP coalition. But the IFP could replace the expelled councillors with two new ones and push for another vote.

IFP leader Albert Mncwango said they suspected that bribery had taken place.

“This councillor was nominated by the ANC for the position of deputy mayor and he accepted it. He was not nominated by us.

The second councillor voted for him, in defiance of the party.

“Even during our caucus meeting, these two councillors were never party to discussion.”

The IFP deputy national spokesman, Joshua Mazibuko, said the expulsion should serve as a warning to others.

“We hope this will show that the IFP is determined to deal decisively with anything or anyone that seeks to stand in the way of our commitment to the voters.

“The party took this resolution after the two decided to vote with the ANC in Tuesday’s inaugural meeting of Edumbe council, thus defying the resolution of the IFP to work with the DA and EFF in the elections for office-bearers in all municipalities, Mazibuko said.

“This means that the two former comrades can no longer represent the IFP in this municipality,” he added.

DA leader Zwakele Mncwango said his party was pleased with the swift decision that had been taken.

ANC provincial secretary Super Zuma said the ANC did not bribe anyone.

“They must not make unfounded allegations.

“They must accept that the ANC won that municipality and not for the first time.”

The Mercury

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