Suspended ANC councillors to continue duties, says Impendle mayor
Impendle Mayor Kwenzakufani Dlamini says the four suspended ANC councillors will continue serving the community, assuring residents that service delivery will not be affected despite party disciplinary action.
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The mayor of Impendle Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has clarified that four ANC councillors suspended by the party’s Provincial Task Team will continue to perform their official duties and responsibilities as elected representatives of the people, focusing on service delivery.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed the immediate suspension of councillors Malcom Dlamini, Nokuvela Ngcobo, Wonderful Zibuse Dlamini, and Thabani Makhaye, who represent Wards 2, 3, 4, and 5, following allegations of misconduct.
ANC provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi said the decision was formally adopted by the PTT on February 6, 2026, under Rule 25.60 of the ANC Constitution, which allows for immediate temporary suspension in exceptional circumstances.
Sibisi said the councillors are accused of acting against the officially mandated position of the ANC caucus in the municipality and undermining the party’s discipline, unity, and cohesion.
In a statement, Impendle Local Municipality Mayor Kwenzakufani Dlamini said, “Despite this party action, the affected councillors will continue to perform their duties and responsibilities as elected representatives of the people, focusing on service delivery.”
Dlamini explained that, in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act,1998, the power to suspend or remove a councillor from office lies with the council, not political parties.
“Section 27 of the Act outlines the circumstances under which a councillor may be removed from office, and this involves a council resolution and adherence to due process,” he said.
Dlamini detailed the legal procedural steps required for suspension or removal.
He said a formal investigation must be conducted, which usually involves a council committee or a designated authority preparing a report on the alleged breach or misconduct.
The council must then convene a meeting to consider the report, and a resolution to suspend or remove the councillor must be passed by a majority vote, often two-thirds depending on council rules.
He also stressed that councillors must be given a fair chance to respond to allegations, including notice of the meeting, access to evidence, and the opportunity to make representations.
Decisions must comply with Section 27 of the Act, which allows removal on grounds such as serious misconduct, breach of the code of conduct, or failure to perform duties.
Once a resolution is passed, the suspension or removal takes effect, and any resulting vacancy is filled according to municipal electoral rules. Councillors can challenge the decision in court if they believe due process was not followed or the decision was unfair, he said.
Dlamini reassured the public that service delivery would not be affected.
“The councillors will continue to work for the betterment of Impendle.
He added that the municipality’s work on key projects, community engagement, and essential services would continue as planned.
''Our focus remains on delivering services, addressing community needs, and working together for a better Impendle,” he said.
Dlamini also urged residents “to remain calm and continue to engage with their councillors on issues affecting their wards.”
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