ANC accused of 'dirty tricks' in Nquthu elections by opposition parties

As the sun set on Nquthu 73-year-old Ntombizini Mbatha went to bed on Wednesday night with high hopes of a better life for this tiny northern KwaZulu-Natal town of Nquthu.

Mbatha was excited after casting her vote in Nondweni Ward 6 and upbeat that the IFP was winning Nquthu back.

Her joy was shared with thousands of other voters across all political parties who came out in their numbers to cast votes on a day that started with a low voter turn out.

“This is the only party that will make the lives of Nquthu better. We all grew up in the IFP and will die IFP‚” she said wIping her perspiring face with a huge kanga emblazoned with Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s face.

The council was dissolved after several attempts to constitute it failed.

It has been without a mayor since August last year.

However‚ there’s less joy in opposition parties who have taken potshots at the ANC for employing dirty tactics.

The IFP raised concerns after observing the suspicious behaviour of drivers of vehicles transporting ANC election material including T-shirts during the by-elections in Nquthu on Wednesday and the last minute cancellation of buses hired to transport voters from Durban.

“We observed a white Toyota Hi-Lux bakkie with the registration number GGL948G that arrived at the gate of Zicole High School which is a polling station and loaded material‚ including ANC T-shirts from a mini-bus with a NPN registration. This bakkie then sped off at high speed. We followed it because of the suspicious behaviour of the driver and occupants. When they noticed that they were being followed‚ they stopped at the Qediphika School before again speeding along the Blood River Road. The driver then suddenly made a U-turn and sped off again‚” said IFP National Chairperson‚ Blessed Gwala.

“We are aware that there should be no campaigning today and therefore we are concerned when such things are taking place while voting is in progress. We know that the ANC is using all sorts of dirty tricks to win this municipality so that they can take control of the Umzinyathi District and get their hands on lucrative municipal contracts.

DA KwaZulu-Natal leader Zwakele Mncwango said he was told by a Durban Transport bus driver that they received instructions to transport people from Durban to Nquthu.

“I was told five buses were booked from Umlazi. Whether those were voters or not we have noted the dirty tricks and we hope the IEC will investigate this‚” said Mncwango.

He said his party hoped to retain the seat they won in last year’s elections.

However‚ IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi was emphatic on the issue of bussing in of ANC supporters showing reporters what he termed was the proof.

“I hope the IEC will investigate this‚” said Buthelezi who visited several voting districts in Nquthu‚ even bumping into the ANC KwaZulu-Natal chair Sihle Zikalala and the two leaders exchanged pleasantries.

IEC vice Chairperson Terry Tselane said the Commission has noted reports alleging that that some political parties will “bus” voters from other municipalities to come and vote in the by election at Nquthu Municipality.

“Bussing of voters is only relevant during registration. During the election a voter can only vote where they are registered. As the Commission we are confident that our systems are in place to prevent any voter from voting who is not registered within Nquthu Municipality and within the voting district they are ordinarily resident‚” said Tselane.

By 5pm the IEC said while voter turn out had improved on the day they were still consolidating figures.

 Nquthu remained on tenterhooks as the closing of voting stations approached at 7pm and the marathon vote counting begins.

The voting proceeded peacefully throughout the day with political parties often singing together and even sharing meals and water.