IFP councillors plan to challenge their expulsion in court
FIVE recently-expelled Mthonjaneni councillors, among them former mayor, Sibonginkosi Biyela, are preparing to take the IFP to court to challenge the expulsion.
Biyela and his colleagues, Eric Masikane, Tholinhlahla Ngema, Zipho Ndlovu and Nhlonipho Buthelezi, were expelled from the IFP last Wednesday after they were found guilty of infringing the party constitution and refusing to obey party instructions.
IFP national spokesperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, confirmed the expulsion, stating, 'We will make announcements with regards to the filling of the mayoral vacancy in due course.'
Biyela, however, believes their expulsion was unlawful and against the party and country’s constitutions.
'We are in consultation with our lawyers to challenge our expulsion,' he said. 'The IFP is engulfed in factions; the powerful faction is supported by the top leadership structure. ‘These people know nothing about the values and policies of the IFP. We want them to reinstate our membership and allow us to go back to our positions.’
A source within the IFP said the expulsion was a result of the councillors colluding with the opposition party (ANC) to oust council speaker, Ntombikayise Mbatha and deputy mayor, Phumlani Ntombela through a motion of no confidence.
'They did so while they were off sick so the motion was cancelled,' said the source, who added the four had shown support for the embattled Biyela.
'Biyela was asked to resign following the accusation that he orchestrated a protest march with workers against municipal manager, Philani Sibiya,' he continued.
'He allegedly refused to vacate the position and dodged several meetings scheduled by the Political Oversight Committee (POC). ‘When the POC went to Mthonjaneni to meet him, he submitted a sick note so the
IFP caucus was forced to raise the motion of no confidence against him.'
He explained that, before the motion was tabled on Wednesday, 5 May, Biyela took the matter to the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Tuesday, attempting to stop it, but he lost the case.