The ANC in the Nkangala region in the Mpumalanga province has confirmed that it has recalled the Speaker of Emahleni local municipality anchored in Witbank.

The confirmation follows unconfirmed reports on Wednesday that Mduduzi “Mswati” Nkosi had been instructed to vacate his lucrative position in the council.

Today the spokesperson of the party in the region, Linkie Mohlala confirmed that Nkosi has been instructed to resign with the Chief Whip, Qonde Maseko.

Mohlala said the decision was taken in June 2024 and it was partially implemented when the Mayor was recalled by the other troika members who were left in their offices so that service delivery was not disrupted. She added that the decision was taken after there was a community protest over poor service delivery and the ANC as the governing party intervened.

“We are saying that Cde Mduduzi Nkosi’s resignation is not a sudden act. Instead, it is as a result of the ANC internal processes that started in June 2024 where the ANC Nkangala Region Office Bearers assessed the performance of the Troika in Municipalities. It was discovered that Emalahleni Troika was not stable and there was no jellying (sic) with the community at large. The unstable ground led to community dissatisfaction on how some service delivery matters were handled. The ANC then took a decision to restructure the Troika.

“However, the community revolt against the then Executive Mayor made the ANC to prioritize the filling of the Executive Mayor”s position whilst allowing for further management and capacity of the Troika, also ensuring that the Council continue to provide sustainable services to communities. Recent events in the Municipality which raised similar matters as the ones raised in June 2024 allowed the ANC to request Cde Mduduzi and Cde Chief Whip to tender their resignations to finalize the Troika restructuring that started in June 2024,” Mohlala said.

It’s not yet clear whether Nkosi has submitted his resignation letter or not.