Millicent Shabangu replaces controversial former speaker Mduduzi Nkosi.
Opposition parties in Mpumalanga are not happy about newly elected Emalahleni local municipality speaker Millicent Shabangu.
Shabangu, former MMC for finance in Nkangala district municipality, is a senior member of the ANC and former trade unionist. She replaced the controversial Mduduzi “Mswati” Nkosi, who resigned last week.
Shabangu previously represented the South African Municipal Workers Union( Samwu) in the Nkangala region and was provincial gender secretary for the Congress of South African Trade Unions.
‘no confidence in new speaker’
Mpumalanga EFF leader Collen Sedibe said: “We have no confidence in the newly elected speaker. Hence, the EFF took a decision not to participate in that election process. However, we expect the speaker to preside over the council without being partisan and avoid representing the interests of the ANC.
ALSO READ: ANC redeploys controversial speaker amid alleged fallout over suspended MMCs
“In addition, we will monitor closely if the speaker will follow the Municipal Systems Act to the letter, more especially, in terms of public participation, failing which the EFF will table the motion of no confidence against her,” Sedibe said.
DA raises concerns
The DA’s Maureen Scheepers said the election of Shabangu was a pivotal moment for the municipality, but comes with serious concerns.
“While the DA respects the outcome of the democratic process, we remain deeply troubled by the ANC’s decision to redeploy another cadre into a position that demands impartiality, accountability and integrity.
“This appointment risks perpetuating the dysfunction and political favouritism that led to the collapse of credibility under former speaker Mduduzi Mswati Nkosi.
“The people of eMalahleni cannot afford a continued term of biased leadership that prioritises party loyalty over public service,” Scheepers said.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga ANC councillors granted bail in R500k corruption case
She said the DA would hold the new speaker to the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
“We will continue to be a vocal advocate for clean governance and we will not hesitate to call out any attempts to undermine the integrity of council proceedings. Our fight for a functional, service-driven municipality continues.”
Emalahleni municipal spokesperson Lebohang Mofokeng was not available for comment.
Samwu welcomes new speaker
Samwu provincial secretary Sam Lekhuleni welcomed the new speaker and said the union was excited because she had vast experience in and knowledge of local government.
“Service delivery in that municipality is at the lowest.”
NOW READ: Outrage over Limpopo council’s R3 million Warmbaths conference
