By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) councillor Muzi Ali Ngidi has been elected as the new executive mayor of Kwadukuza municipality in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN).
Ngidi (40) was elected alongside Njabulo Cele (41) as deputy mayor during a special council sitting on Tuesday.
His election was supported by various parties in council, including the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
They each received 47 votes, defeating Democratic Alliance candidate Privi Makhan, who secured ten and nine votes for mayor and deputy mayor, respectively.
Ngidi’s appointment follows a vote of no confidence against former mayor Lindi Nhaca, while Cele succeeds Thulani “Mbazo “Ntuli, who died in March last year.
In his acceptance speech, Ngidi addressed the challenges faced by KwaDukuza in recent months, describing it as a period of tension and instability.
He emphasised that their election marked the end of this uncertainty, setting a course for unity and professional governance. To this end Ngidi called for a clear division between political and administrative roles within the municipality.
“Officials must uphold the values of public administration as outlined in section 195 of the Constitution, maintaining high ethical standards and accountability,” said Ngidi.
He said some officials could not avoid the temptation of taking sides in what was a political contestation that required a political solution. “It is important for all of us, politicians and officials alike, to stick to our lanes, ” said Ngidi.
He also highlighted KwaDukuza as a fast-growing area that appeals to investors and developers alike.
However, he acknowledged the pressing challenges faced by local government, including service delivery issues, unemployment and rising costs of living.