Tensions are rising in Jozini Local Municipality as the African National Congress (ANC) moves to oust Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Mayor Mfananaye Mathe through a vote of no confidence, accusing him of plunging the municipality into financial crisis.
The ANC’s motion alleges that Mathe’s administration mismanaged funds, leading to a R7 million loan taken to cover salaries and operational costs. The party claims reckless spending on “questionable programs and extravagant festivals” worsened the municipality’s financial position, creating a dire fiscal emergency.
An ANC councillor, speaking anonymously, accused Mathe of breaching his fiduciary duties by burdening Jozini with debt. “Borrowing to pay salaries is a sign of systemic failure,” the councillor said. “This level of financial mismanagement is unacceptable and possibly unlawful.” The ANC has called for a forensic audit of municipal spending under Mathe’s leadership.
The motion threatens to shift power dynamics in the council, depending on how coalition partners and independent councillors vote. A special council meeting will soon deliberate on the matter.
Mayor Mathe has denied wrongdoing, calling the ANC’s move politically motivated. In a statement, he defended the R7 million loan as a necessary stopgap measure approved by the council to address cash flow shortages and avoid service delivery disruptions. “This was prudent crisis management, not mismanagement,” he said. “The ANC is exploiting financial challenges for political gain instead of addressing revenue declines and unfunded mandates.”
The IFP and its minor party allies have rallied behind Mathe, accusing the ANC of attempting to destabilize municipalities it does not control. Meanwhile, community groups are demanding greater transparency, expressing alarm over the town’s deteriorating finances.
If the motion succeeds, it would deal a major blow to the IFP-led administration, intensifying pressure on the party amid growing governance challenges. Political analysts suggest the outcome may hinge on whether Mathe’s coalition partners remain loyal or side with the ANC’s push for accountability.
As the debate heats up, Jozini residents await a decision that could reshape local leadership—and deepen the political divide in KwaZulu-Natal.