The ANC deputy mayor of the politically volatile Dannhauser in northern KwaZulu-Natal and two other councillors of the party are challenging their sanction meted out on them by their party following their decision to vote with the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party) to remove the former Speaker Sibusiso Myaka from office in December 2024.
Busisiwe Langa, the deputy mayor, and councillor Philisiwe Mathebula, and Nomusa Khumalo, have already written to Mike Mabuyakhulu, the coordinator of the provincial task team (PTT) currently in charge of the ANC in the province, to voice their concerns.
Vacate positions or be expelled from party
This follows the decision of the provincial disciplinary committee (PDC). The PDC decided to fire them from their positions and the party if they refuse to vacate their positions they got following the horse trading with the IFP. The move saw Myaka, the leader of the Community Freedom Party, which was governing the municipality in coalition with the ANC, losing his lucrative position.
The PDC ruled that Langa should step down as deputy mayor and as a member of the Exco. Failure to do so will see her being summarily expelled from the ANC. Khumalo and Mathebula were directed to resign as councillors. If they disobey the instruction, they should be expelled from the ANC as well.
They penned almost identical letters dated April 25 2025 to Mabuyakhulu. In the letters, they each asked why they were not afforded the right to appeal.
“I hope this letter finds you in good health and in good spirit. Please note that I have received the Ruling and the sanction of the Disciplinary hearing that was held between the ANC and BT Langa myself. The DC was held on the 28 February 2025 at the ANC offices in Durban.
Right to appeal
“Please note further that in the ruling and the sanction I have received, there is nowhere in the document whereby I am advised of my constitutional right to appeal. Section 63 of the Constitution ofthe ANC states that “The charged member MUST be advised of the ruling and the sanction of the Disciplinary Committee together with reasons and of his or her right to appeal,” Langa wrote.
She said she was wondering if this was a mistake or a deliberate act on the side of the Pdc.
“One wonders if this omission is a deliberate act or otherwise. I kindly seek clarity on the above-stated discrepancy so that I can weigh my available options. Further note that I have an intention to lodge an appeal to the National Disciplinary Appeal Committee. However, with the omission of this right, one wonders if this right has been taken away from me. I hope you will find the above in order.
Party spokesperson mum on issue
“I anticipate your urgent response in this regard,” reads Langa’s letter to Mabuyakhulu.
Khumalo and Mathebula wrote similar letters with similar wording to Mabuyakhulu.
The spokesperson of the party in the province, Fanle Sibisi, did not respond to questions. He was asked for reasons why the members were not afforded the right to appeal.
