Voting stations for the highly anticipated by-election in the northern KwaZulu-Natal municipality of Nquthu opened at 7am on Wednesday. The road to this day has been long and littered with several hurdles‚ not only for the political parties vying for the lion’s share of the area’s 81‚000 voters‚ but also for residents who have been in limbo for nearly 10 months as service delivery stalled. There was bloodshed after DA councillor candidate Zanele Masondo was allegedly attacked by a rival political supporter in her shop. The death of Sphamandla Ngobese‚ an ANC activist‚ shook the ruling party’s campaign. At one time the Hawks arrested Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and EFF councillor candidates after allegations of a plot to assassinate some ANC councillors. Here is why Nquthu matters: 1. Only council without a mayor: For 10 months and after six attempts‚ Nquthu failed to sit and elect its office bearers‚ resulting in a council without a mayor‚ deputy or speaker. 2. Umzinyathi District M...
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