Vusi Ndlovu

Vusi Ndlovu

A Gauteng marriage made in political heaven is teetering on the brink of collapse.

At the centre of the breakdown are allegations that West Rand district municipality mayor Faith Matshikiza is an adulteress.

The mayor's husband, Sizwe Matshikiza, spokesman for Khabisi Mosunkutu, the Gauteng MEC for agriculture, conservation and the environment, is said to be hopping mad after his wife was reported to have been seen with another man.

When approached by Sowetan yesterday, Matshikiza acknowledged that his marriage was on the rocks.

According to anonymous sources, the mayor's secretary booked a luxury train trip for the mayor and a male companion to Cape Town to attend the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Shosholoza Meyl, which made the booking, confirmed that a booking had been made under the name of the mayor and a partner.

On hearing the news, Matshikiza allegedly investigated the trip and established that his wife's companion was the same man who had been threatening his marriage.

"I am hurt and extremely disappointed. If suddenly there is a Matshikiza that is replacing me, it shows that there is nothing I can do to restore this marriage," he said.

Matshikiza said he learnt of his wife's affair last year.

"I was in Randfontein waiting for my son ... and I decided to drive around town.

"When I reached a stop sign I realised the vehicle next to me belonged to my wife and there was a man at her side.

"She suddenly drove off and when I followed she picked up speed.

"I followed them and tried to stop their car, but they continued driving away. I eventually caught up with them," Matshikiza said.

He said he and his wife had tried to reconcile, but last week's incident had made him consider instituting divorce proceedings.

Faith Matshikiza confirmed that she went to the jazz festival, but said she went alone.

She said that her husband often accused her of having affairs.