New ANC chair tainted

The ANC in the Dr WB Rubusana region in the Eastern Cape has elected regional secretary Phumlani Mkolo, who faces fraud and corruption charges related to a scandal surrounding the funeral of former president Nelson Mandela, as new regional chairperson.

Mkolo defeated Buffalo City metro mayor Xola Pakati. His victory could see Pakati axed as mayor. During his victory speech, Mkolo said change was needed at the metro municipality without giving details.

Mkolo’s 10 co-accused include former Buffalo City mayor Zukiswa Ncitha, her former deputy Themba Tinta, councillors, employees, businesspeople and entities linked to the accused.

According to the charge sheet, it is alleged that Mkolo and his co-accused siphoned off millions of rands from Buffalo City metro under the pretence that it was to cover events related to Mandela’s funeral.

About R5.9 million was allegedly channelled from the municipality into the bank accounts of the accused. A further R4.1 million was stopped by former municipal manager Andile Fani, who was on leave when the first amount was paid out. An investigation Fani instituted uncovered the alleged fraud.

Last year, Mkolo and two co-accused, Zintle Nkuhlu and Nosiphiwo Mati, successfully applied for the separation of their trial.

They also made representations to the National Prosecuting Authority for the charges against them to be dropped. They will appear again in the East London Magistrate’s Court on October 19.