“Opposition parties were prevented from entering the council chambers and taking up their seats, as these were forcibly occupied by African National Congress cadres,” provincial chief whip Radley Keys said in a statement.

This resulted in a stand-off which lasted “for hours”.  

“Today’s events in Nquthu are the mark of a desperate attempt by the ANC to thwart being reduced to a minority party,” Keys said.

The action was allegedly prompted by the National Freedom Party severing its ties with the ruling party.  

“There are several other municipalities around the province where NFP members have introduced motions of no confidence in ANC mayors and have disassociated themselves from the ANC.” 

The ANC in the province could not be reached for comment.