Latest news with #R500k
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Opposition slams ANC ‘cadre deployment' after Shabangu takes MP council speaker post
Millicent Shabangu replaces controversial former speaker Mduduzi Nkosi. Opposition parties in Mpumalanga are not happy about newly elected Emalahleni local municipality speaker Millicent Shabangu. Shabangu, former MMC for finance in Nkangala district municipality, is a senior member of the ANC and former trade unionist. She replaced the controversial Mduduzi 'Mswati' Nkosi, who resigned last week. Shabangu previously represented the South African Municipal Workers Union( Samwu) in the Nkangala region and was provincial gender secretary for the Congress of South African Trade Unions. 'no confidence in new speaker' Mpumalanga EFF leader Collen Sedibe said: 'We have no confidence in the newly elected speaker. Hence, the EFF took a decision not to participate in that election process. However, we expect the speaker to preside over the council without being partisan and avoid representing the interests of the ANC. ALSO READ: ANC redeploys controversial speaker amid alleged fallout over suspended MMCs 'In addition, we will monitor closely if the speaker will follow the Municipal Systems Act to the letter, more especially, in terms of public participation, failing which the EFF will table the motion of no confidence against her,' Sedibe said. DA raises concerns The DA's Maureen Scheepers said the election of Shabangu was a pivotal moment for the municipality, but comes with serious concerns. 'While the DA respects the outcome of the democratic process, we remain deeply troubled by the ANC's decision to redeploy another cadre into a position that demands impartiality, accountability and integrity. 'This appointment risks perpetuating the dysfunction and political favouritism that led to the collapse of credibility under former speaker Mduduzi Mswati Nkosi. 'The people of eMalahleni cannot afford a continued term of biased leadership that prioritises party loyalty over public service,' Scheepers said. ALSO READ: Mpumalanga ANC councillors granted bail in R500k corruption case She said the DA would hold the new speaker to the highest standards of fairness and transparency. 'We will continue to be a vocal advocate for clean governance and we will not hesitate to call out any attempts to undermine the integrity of council proceedings. Our fight for a functional, service-driven municipality continues.' Emalahleni municipal spokesperson Lebohang Mofokeng was not available for comment. Samwu welcomes new speaker Samwu provincial secretary Sam Lekhuleni welcomed the new speaker and said the union was excited because she had vast experience in and knowledge of local government. 'Service delivery in that municipality is at the lowest.' NOW READ: Outrage over Limpopo council's R3 million Warmbaths conference
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
New speaker set to replace disgraced Nkosi in Emalahleni
The former speaker was previously accused of bullying councillors from other political parties, including the DA and the EFF. The new speaker for Emalahleni local municipality replacing Mduduzi 'Mswati' Nkosi, will be announced during the council sitting today. The municipality has been operating without a speaker for a week after the resignation of Nkosi, who has been recently sworn in as a councillor in the Nkangala district municipality. The ANC has been refusing to divulge the reason for Nkosi's resignation, but the party's regional spokesperson, Linky Mohlala, confirmed the speaker had been requested by the ANC to vacate the office. Accusations against Nkosi Nkosi was previously accused of bullying councillors from other political parties such as the DA and the EFF. Insiders said Nkosi's resignation had to do with many issues, including that he allegedly supported some suspended 'corrupt' officials. ALSO READ: ANC redeploys controversial speaker amid alleged fallout over suspended MMCs Last year, a case of assault was opened against him after he reportedly assaulted Ndebele traditional leader Tony Mahlangu during a Mandela Day event. He accused Mahlangu of forcing his way onto the podium to address the community when he was not on the list of speakers. Announcement postponed The special council sitting aimed at appointing the new speaker was supposed to take place on Friday last week, but it was postponed to today. Emalahleni municipal spokesperson Lebogang Mofokeng has confirmed that the new speaker will be announced today, but refused to divulge more information. 'On Friday the council sitting did not sit because it was going to discuss the DA's motion of no confidence in the speaker and now that the speaker resigned it was cancelled,' Mofokeng said. NOW READ: Mpumalanga ANC councillors granted bail in R500k corruption case
Eyewitness News
29-04-2025
- Eyewitness News
City Power suspends services in parts of Alexandra after technicians held hostage
JOHANNESBURG - City Power has suspended services in parts of Alexandra after technicians were held hostage during a meter installation operation. The entity says some residents in Vezinyawo allegedly hijacked three of its vehicles on Monday. READ: Joburg's City Power removes illegal connections worth an estimated R500k in Alex The cars had to be towed after keys were stolen by one of the people there... City Power says it will not resume any work until the safety of staff is guaranteed in the area. 'If there are any changes in the attitudes of the residents that are staying in the area should there be any, then we can be able to move in and ensure that we install the metres, we normalise the area and power can be restored provided the customers start buying electricity,' said spokesperson Isaac Mangena
