THE verdict from ANC insider heavyweights is that uMhlathuze City Mayor Elphas Mbatha is definitely on his way out.
And indications are the final push will officially come at Tuesday’s full uMhlathuze Council meeting.
Inside sources told the Zululand Observer on Wednesday that the ruling party’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) had endorsed an earlier decision by the Regional Executive Committee (REC) to recall Mbatha ahead of the local government elections.
The writing has been on the wall for more than a month and reliable ANC insiders said Mbatha’s exit would make room for a new mayor in the person of current speaker Cllr Mduduzi Mhlongo.
This would mean a reshuffling at the City helm, with three candidates in the running for the Speaker’s position – Cllrs Prince Mathenjwa, Mfundo Mthenjana and Meera Sookroo.
While he confirmed having had discussions with the PEC, Mayor Mbatha said the decision about his recall had not yet been communicated to him.
‘I do not have anxiety about anything and I have to do my job. There is nothing really wrong and untoward about the situation.
‘The PEC will give their view and advise on my future and what role I would play. If there is redeployment, I am still a public representative wherever I am.
‘I have served the people to the best of my ability,’ said Mbatha.
When questioned about the REC meeting in Empangeni on Tuesday night, Chairman of the ANC Musa Dladla Region, Thulani Mashaba, would not be drawn into commenting on the mayor’s exit.
‘We are still handling this matter internally. No decision has been taken at the moment. This is a sensitive matter and must be handled properly. We not only discussed the Mbatha matter, but many other issues,’ said Mashaba.
Assessment
Questioned on the party’s decision to remove a leader before the end of the designated term, and especially in light of the upcoming local government elections, Mashaba said the ruling party conducted their own assessment on every individual.
‘Any MEC, Premier, Minister or Mayor, including myself, can be recalled before the elections based on their performance. These cadres are deployed and no one is entitled to that position. The party makes the decision. The real question is whether we are serving the people effectively,’ Mashaba said.
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