Canaan Mdletshe

The IFP in the Msunduzi municipality wants to see the back of mayor Zanele Hlatshwayo, whom they accuse of extravagant spending on "pet projects", including a costly trip to US president Barack Obama's inauguration.

The party accuses Hlatshwayo of not disclosing the cost of her trip. IFP councillor Candy Seymour said Hlatshwayo had for a long time refused to answer the party's questions and called for her to resign.

Seymour accused Hlatshwayo of spending R7million on mayoral projects, which had "doubled the relevant budget".

"In December, she spent R1,5million on a Christmas party for the elderly . when we can't clean the city [Pietermaritzburg] and fix potholes," said Seymour.

Hlatswayo said Seymour was merely electioneering. "As mayor, I have no powers to approve any finances. That is the work of the full council, which the IFP is part of."

She said Seymour was abusing her council member role , and made accusations knowing she "is protected and cannot be charged in court . If she has evidence of my wrongdoing, she must submit it to the authorities."