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IOL News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC purges scandal prone mayor and deputy in KwaDukuza shake-up
THE ANC has instructed the axed mayor of KwaDukuza Ali Ngidi to repay taxpayer's money after splurging on luxury vehicle car hire and 24-hour security guards at his house. Image: KwaDukuza Municipality IN less than a year after the election of a new mayor, KwaDukuza Municipality, on the north of KwaZulu-Natal finds itself without a mayor after the ANC's summary axing of its scandal-prone mayor, Ali Muzi Ngidi. The reaction from opposition parties like uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the Democratic Alliance (MKP) is that of good riddance. The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal led by the provincial task team co-ordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu ordered Ngidi and his deputy to pay back the taxpayer's money following the highly-publicised luxury vehicle hire scandal. Ngidi was elected eight months ago on November 4, following the ousting of mayor Lindile Nhaca who couldn't withstand pressure from the provincial structure of the ANC to vacate her position. She was removed on October 31, through a vote of no confidence. Nhaca pleas to Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to protect her from then-KZN ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo were unsuccessful. Mtolo had explained her removal as part of the reconfiguration of the KwaDukuza municipality following the ANC's poor showing in the May elections last year. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Ngidi was removed along with his deputy mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele. Both tendered their resignations yesterday under pressure from the provincial ANC. The decision was announced at a briefing by Mabuyakhulu. "Following the proper channels, they will continue with their jobs until they have been successfully replaced. We have also requested them to pay back some of the money used to hire vehicles for them from the time they started their term of office," he said. Ngidi and Cele's removal follows an ANC probe into misconduct and financial mismanagement, including over R1 million spent on hired vehicles and a monthly security bill of R173,000 for the mayor. Ngidi had been deputy mayor during Nhaca's tenure, and his brief stint as mayor was marked by a R35.7 million embezzlement from the municipal coffers, rolling power outages during the summer holidays in December, and a municipal workers' strike this week. Mabuyakhulu didn't announce when the party would make a decision on the new leadership. Soon after assuming office, it was reported a municipal vehicle which was part of the previous mayor's fleet was used as a school shuttle for Ngidi's children. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Fanle Sibisi, said the total cost to be paid by the mayor and Cele will be determined by the municipal council after a proper consolidation. The two were alleged to have splurged on hired luxury vehicles when they assumed office, despite the availability of a roadworthy mayoral fleet, which included two BMW X3s with mileage of less than 70 000km. Ngidi further splurged on a Durban-based security firm by acquiring at least eight security who guarded his house around the clock. The MKP's Ilembe Detachment Chairperson, Basil Ntuli, said: "We welcome and fully endorse this decision as it aligns with our long-standing concerns regarding the conduct and integrity of these individuals. For several months, the MK Party has been closely monitoring the actions of both the mayor and deputy mayor, whose conduct has repeatedly brought the name and governance of the KwaDukuza Municipality into disrepute." Ntuli said the removal marked a necessary and overdue step towards restoring accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership within the municipality. "The departure of these two individuals represents a turning point for KwaDukuza and provides an opportunity to refocus municipal priorities toward service delivery and community development," said Ntuli.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
KwaDukuza mayor and deputy-mayor resign under provincial party pressure
KwaDukuza municipality mayor Ali Ngidi and deputy-mayor Sicelinjabulo Cele resigned this afternoon under pressure from the provincial African National Congress (ANC). The decision was announced at a briefing in KwaDukuza following the meeting of a high-level delegation of senior provincial leadership led by ANC provincial task team co-ordinator, Michael Mabuyakhulu. Ngidi and Cele had been in the roles for just under eight months after being elected on November 5 last year. They have both handed in their resignation letters but will continue to serve until new leadership is elected. 'The ANC has committed itself to rebuilding and renewal. We have said that we will act in the interests of our people and our decisions are informed by nothing else but the interests of our people,' said Mabuyakhulu. 'Anyone has the right to interpret our decision as they deem fit, but we are consistent in the message that we put our people first' The party had previously launched an investigation into misconduct allegations at KwaDukuza following a series of scandals, including the hiring of vehicles for over R1-million and a monthly personal security bill for the mayor of just over R173 000. Ngidi and Cele have been asked to repay a portion of the funds used for car hire. They will only settle the expenses incurred before council formally approved car hire for them. The mayor, who was supposed to use one of the cars as a backup, will also need to repay the expenses for that period. Aside from these scandals, Ngidi presided over a disastrous period for the municipality. During his tenure, the municipality experienced widespread electricity blackouts between December and February and the highly-publicised embezzlement of R35.7-million in January, as well as strikes from hundreds of workers more recently. Separate investigators from the Special Investigating Unit, Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) are all also on site in KwaDukuza to look into alleged mismanagement. Growing calls for resignation from civic society have added further pressure. Combined, it made for an incredibly difficult period in office for Ngidi after taking over from Lindile Nhaca, who was axed at the end of September last year. No date has been announced for the mayoral and deputy-mayoral elections, nor any replacement candidates. It took just over a month between Nhaca's suspension and the election of Ngidi and Cele last year. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC expected to sack KwaDukuza Mayor Ali Ngidi amid governance concerns
The KwaDukuza Municipality is expected to have a new mayor by the end of Wednesday. Image: Facebook In what would be a major decision since appointed in February, Jeff Radebe's KwaZulu-Natal provincial task team (PTT) is expected to announce the sacking of KwaDukuza Local Municipality Mayor Ali Ngidi. The announcement is expected to be made by the PTT coordinator, Mike Mabuyakhulu, in a meeting with the municipality leadership and the newly appointed regional task team on Wednesday afternoon. The party did not specify Mabuyakhulu's visit to the troubled north coast municipality in a media invitation, except to say the critical meeting is convened to address pressing governance-related matters affecting the municipality. The statement added that the ANC is deeply concerned about developments that threaten the stability and integrity of the municipality. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ However, reliable sources within the municipality said Mabuyakhulu will table the recommendations by the team that the party appointed to investigate allegations of maladministration, particularly the vehicle and security scandals involving the mayor. The source said the party has made a decision to fire both the mayor and his deputy. In February, the mayor was accused of using the municipality's vehicle to transport his children to school. The said vehicle was reported to be the one that the mayor had refused to use, citing its mechanical fault. His refusal to use the vehicle forced the municipality to hire a car for his official use. The source said the last straw was when, in April, the ANC discovered that the municipality was paying R173,000 for the mayor's home security without a known threat assessment and approval by the council. The party has appointed a team to investigate all the allegations against the mayor. Ngidi was appointed in November after the removal of Lindiwe Nhanca, who had been appointed in 2021. She fell out with the disbanded Siboniso Duma and Bheki Mtolo-led provincial executive and was fired. If Ngidi is removed, the R3.2 billion-budget municipality will have the third mayor within a five-year term. ANC provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said the ANC will respond to the question on whether the mayor has been fired during a media briefing in the afternoon.
The South African
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Club World Cup result: Mamelodi Sundowns go down to German giants
Mamelodi Sundowns' FIFA Club World Cup campaign suffered a setback on Saturday when they were beaten by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Masandawana lost 4-3 after trailling 3-1 at half-time. When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Mamelodi Sundowns opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Lucas Ribeiro Costa, only to see Borussia Dortmund score three times in the space of 29 minutes with goals by Felix Nmecha (16th minute), Serhou Guirassy (34th minute) and Jobe Bellingham (45th minute). To make matters worse for the Tshwane giants, Khuliso Mudau conceded an own goal in the 59th minute to help stretch Borussia Dortmund's lead. Iqraam Rayners narrowed the deficit in the 62nd minute and Lebo Mothiba scored a 90th-minute consolation goal, but that's as good as it got for Miguel Cardoso's side. Thanks to their win, Borussia Dortmund picked up another three points – and $2 million – and moved top of Group F with four points. Mamelodi Sundowns stayed on three points thanks to their opening match win over South Korean minnows Uslan HD. With only Uslan HD to play, Borussia Dortmund are virtual certainties to reach the Round of 16. There is a good chance Mamelodi Sundowns will have to upset Brazilian side Fluminense in their final group clash on Wednesday, 25 June to progress to the next round. As a reminder, each group stage win if worth $2 million (R36 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R18 million). Before the opening whistle in Cincinnati, Masandawana have already banked well over R200 million! By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees. Their win over Uslan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth a further R36 million to the Tshwane giants. That means Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R36 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R209 million. A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R136 million) to those 16 teams. Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E. Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy's Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E. Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R237 million). A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R380 million). The tournament's runner-up will receive $30 million (R542 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R723 million) richer. In a best case scenario , this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could still potentially win: Round Dollars Rands Appearance fee $9.55 million R173 million * Group stage Beat Uslan HD $2 million R36 million * Beat Borussia Dortmund $2 million R0 (lost 4-2) Beat Fluminense $2 million R36 million Reach Round of 16 $7.5 million R136 million Reach quarter-finals $13.125 million R237 million Reach semi-finals $21 million R380 million Lift the trophy $40 million R723 million TOTAL $97.125 million R1.721 billion *denotes confirmed prize money won That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further. It's also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy. The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029. Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final. Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian. Mamelodi Sundowns' remaining Group F matches are as follows (all times SA): Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
21-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Club World Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund
Mamelodi Sundowns will look to pick up another three points – and add to their bank balance – when they take on German giants Borussia Dortmund in their FIFA Club World Cup Group F clash on Saturday. Kick-off at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio is at 18:00 (SA time). When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Mamelodi Sundowns are coming off a 1-0 win over South Korean side Uslan HD, while Borussia Dortmund played out to a goalless draw against Brazilian side Fluminense in their opener. As a reminder, each group stage win if worth $2 million (R36 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R18 million). Before the opening whistle in Cincinnati, Masandawana have already banked well over R200 million! By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees. Their win over Uslan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth a further R36 million to the Tshwane giants. That means at the time of publishing, Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R36 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R209 million. A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R136 million) to those 16 teams. Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E. Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy's Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E. Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R237 million). A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R380 million). The tournament's runner-up will receive $30 million (R542 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R723 million) richer. In a best case scenario , this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could potentially win: Round Dollars Rands Appearance fee $9.55 million R173 million * Group stage Beat Uslan HD $2 million R36 million * Beat Borussia Dortmund $2 million R36 million Beat Fluminense $2 million R36 million Reach Round of 16 $7.5 million R136 million Reach quarter-finals $13.125 million R237 million Reach semi-finals $21 million R380 million Lift the trophy $40 million R723 million TOTAL $97.125 million R1.757 billion *denotes confirmed prize money won That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further. It's also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy. The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029. Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final. Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian. Mamelodi Sundowns' remaining Group F matches are as follows (all times SA): Saturday, 21 June vs Borussia Dortmund – 18:00 Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
