The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) National Executive Council (NEC) met with the Mayor of uMfolozi Municipality, Cllr XM Bhengu, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr NN Gumede, and the Chief Whip, Cllr C Makhunga, following repeated reports from the IFP Caucus to the Political Oversight Committee (POC), which spoke of a strained working relationship between the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
The NEC has met previously with Caucus regarding the same matter, and to discuss the concern that it could destabilise the Municipality’s leadership.
Following deliberations, the NEC yesterday resolved to request that the Deputy Mayor step down, with immediate effect. Cllr Gumede amicably complied with the request.
The POC will now take the necessary action needed to fill the vacancy, in the hope that the aforementioned issues will be a thing of the past.
The Party thanks Cllr Gumede for his dedicated service to the people of uMfolozi during his tenure over the past year. As the IFP, we appreciate that he is not lost to the Party, and will continue to serve in leadership structures, including the IFPYB NEC and IFP National Council.
The decision to request that Cllr Gumede step down was taken in the collective interest of maintaining leadership stability in uMfolozi Municipality, and to ensure that service delivery is not impacted in any way.
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Contact
Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
