#Letter: Who should be KwaDukuza's next mayor
KwaDukuza resident and former KwaDukuza mayor (1996-1998) Siyanda Mhlongo writes:
I write this letter amid growing lobbying for a successor to mayor Muzi Ali Ngidi – should the ANC's KZN Provincial Task Team (PTT) do the right thing and recall him. As a concerned resident, I must voice my view.
Mayor Ngidi is a product of factional manipulation, chiefly by two high-powered individuals who orchestrated the ousting of former mayor Lindy Nhanca and attempted to do the same to municipal manager (MM) Nhlanhla Mdakane. Their goal: turn KwaDukuza into a personal cash cow. Ngidi was selected not for leadership, but for pliability.
Under Ngidi's watch, governance has deteriorated. From bullying officials, misusing municipal resources for personal gain and dodging accountability for the R37m heist, his tenure has been marked by scandal. Events and entertainment have taken precedence over service delivery, with over R8m spent. The MM has faced unwarranted pressure, strikes were weaponised and transparency remains absent.
I believe SAMWU has been mobilised to strike against the MM. This strike has been disguised as a demand for grading, but everyone knows that grading is the responsibility of the bargaining council.
This moment demands a break from factionalism and looting. The ANC must act boldly. I urge the PTT to consider a principled leader, such as Sduduzo Gumede. His record, from leadership in AZASO and SANCO, to his service as KwaDukuza mayor and iLembe councillor, proves his integrity. He is educated, ethical and understands governance.
The ANC must consult widely, not rely solely on compromised internal structures. KwaDukuza needs stability, not another proxy. Appointing Gumede would restore credibility, inspire public trust and halt the looting culture. The time for ethical, competent leadership is now.
We do not need dealers in power, we need leaders.
Note: This letter was published before the resignation of mayor Ali Ngidi and deputy-mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele on Wednesday.
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