ANC KwaZulu‑Natal Terminates Membership of Seven Members
What Happened?
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu‑Natal has ended the party membership of seven former councillors and members. These individuals decided to run in the upcoming local government elections either as independents or under other political parties after they did not receive the ANC’s official nomination.
Who Are the Affected Members?
- Mfana Gumede – running independently in Ward 6, Inkosi Mtubatuba.
- Chellappa Naicker – contesting under the Independent Alliance in Ward 17, KwaDukuza.
- Veli Luthuli – also with the Independent Alliance in Ward 15, KwaDukuza.
- Zinhle Magwaza – representing the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ward 14, Ndwedwe.
- Nokuvela Ngcobo – independent candidate in Ward 4, Impendle.
- Thabani Makhaye – independent candidate in Ward 6, Impendle.
- Themba Xaba – running for the ABCD Congress in Ward 19, Inkosi Langalibalele.
Why Did the ANC Take This Action?
According to ANC KwaZulu‑Natal spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica, the party’s candidate‑selection process starts at the branch level, where members and communities democratically nominate, accept, or reject prospective leaders. The seven individuals failed to gain the confidence of their local structures and chose to pursue their own candidacies instead.
Sonjica stated that by deciding to run against the ANC while still claiming membership, the individuals effectively rejected the party’s democratic will and placed personal ambition above collective decisions.
What Does the ANC Constitution Say?
The ANC’s constitution makes it clear that accepting a candidacy against the movement constitutes an explicit repudiation of membership. Consequently, membership is terminated immediately. The party emphasized that it respects every citizen’s constitutional right to contest elections, but members cannot simultaneously oppose the ANC and retain their status within it.
Impact on the Affected Areas
The terminated members are no longer recognized as ANC representatives, associates, or office‑bearers in the following localities:
- KwaDukuza
- Ndwedwe
- Impendle
- Inkosi Langalibalele
- Inkosi Mtubatuba
They hold no mandate to speak or act on behalf of the ANC in these areas.
ANC’s Message to Supporters
The party urged its structures, volunteers, and loyal supporters to stay disciplined, reject political opportunism, and unite behind the candidates who emerged through the official nomination process. The ANC pledged to enter the local government elections with renewed vigor, focusing on better service delivery, financial transparency, and improved local governance.
Conclusion
The ANC’s decision to terminate the membership of these seven members underscores its commitment to internal democracy and party loyalty. By enforcing its constitutional rules, the party aims to protect its revolutionary journey from being derailed by individual political ambitions. As the elections approach, the ANC calls on all members to stand behind the democratically chosen candidates and work together for the betterment of their communities.
