The African National Congress on Friday asserted its authority in Umtata — the last town the United Democratic Movement had any control over in the country.
A new speaker and mayor, both members of the ANC, were appointed following a four-hour-long special council meeting — Nkosinathi Kuluta was elected as speaker and Dr DeLarey Mkatshwa appointed as mayor of the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality.
After by-elections in June, the UDM lost a series of wards, leading to the ANC becoming a majority party. The UDM, however, refused to abdicate power and resorted to the court for protection.
A fortnight ago the court ordered that the parties should go back to the drawing board and resolve their problems.
On Friday the special council meeting deadlocked when the ANC demanded a debate on a vote of confidence on the UDM speaker, Cwebwa Dukada, and mayor, Dowa Mgudlwa.
The UDM protested that what the ANC wanted was not part of the court’s order.
Dukada then declared the meeting deadlocked because all political parties did not agree. He suggested the matter should be referred back to court.
After the UDM members left the chambers, a decision was taken that a council meeting be convened. It was agreed that the presence of 36 councillors formed a quorum.
In an interview afterwards, Dukada said as far as ”the law” is concerned he is still speaker and that what the ANC has done will be annulled. — Sapa