FRIDAY, 1.30PM
WITH a crucial by-election imminent in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands area of Richmond, the African National Congress will kick off its campaign with a rally at Ndaleni Stadium which will be a trial of strength against local warlord Sifison Nkabinde.
Nkabinde, who was expelled from the ANC and sacked from the local council recently after being accused of working as an agent provocateur for the security police, still regards the small town as his stronghold. Following Nkabinde’s fall from grace, nine of the 11 Richmond local councillors resigned in solidarity with him. Of the two who remained, one, Rodney van der Byl, 54, was shot dead outside his house in May. Now mayor Andrew Ravagaloo is under 24-hour police guard. Police recently apprehended an armed man near Ravagaloo’s house.
Sunday’s rally will be attended by a 10-member delegation from the ANC, led by the party’s provincial treasurer and health MEC Zweli Mkhize.
The by-election was previously postponed due to intimidation and allegations of partiality on the part of returning officer Mahon Sedhary. The ANC has expressed determination to hold the election even though intimidation is still rife in the area.