Bid to finalise ANC councils

THE already bruised ANC in the province is facing deeper divisions from within, as deployment committees seek to finalise who should lead its councils for the next five years.

The gloves were off in Mthatha last night as the Xolile Nkompela-led OR Tambo deployment committee had to decide on who becomes mayor, speaker and chief whip in Port St Johns (PSJ), King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD), Nyandeni and Mhlontlo.

Names have to be submitted to the provincial deployment committee by end of business today.

The cat was already out of the bag before last week’s elections that Pat Mdingi would retain his position as Ngquza local council mayor.

At least three sources, two of whom serve in the OR Tambo deployment committee, also confirmed yesterday that Dumani Zozo is likely to become KSD mayor, while outgoing mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa would become council speaker.

“Another done deal from the region is that Sihlwele Nyengane will be the chief whip in KSD,” a source close to the developments said.

Two local councils in the OR Tambo district are likely to be led by women.

Bulelwa Nokhanda will become PSJ mayor, if the provincial committee endorses her name.

“In the PSJ council, Thandisizwe Khukhula will retain his position as council speaker and Lindelwa Rolobile will be the new chief whip,” the source said.

Another council likely to be led by a woman is Mhlontlo, where the ANC sub-region recommended Nompumelelo Dywili, while her counterpart, Margaret Mvanyashe, will retain her position as council chief whip.

Mesuli Ngqondwana is being touted as Nyandeni mayor.