Canaan Mdletshe

Canaan Mdletshe

The future of six IFP councillors in the Okhahlamba municipality in Bergville, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands hangs, in the balance after the leadership of the party hauled them before a disciplinary hearing for "colluding" with the ANC in ousting mayor Vikizitha Mlotshwa.

Mlotshwa was ousted last week after the councillors moved a motion of no confidence against him. The move was seconded by another IFP councillor, indicating divisions within the party.

After Mlotshwa was ousted the councillors, with nine from the ANC, elected new mayor Bhekani Hlongwane, who is also from the IFP.

But speaker Bhekindlela Rodgers Hlongwane said the old guard remained a recognised and legally elected leadership.

He said Mlotshwa remained mayor and he remained speaker. He confirmed that the leadership of the IFP had called the councillors before a disciplinary hearing.

"The party's oversight committee called them to a special hearing where their future will be discussed," Hlongwane said.

"They could be expelled for breaching the party's code of conduct. They should have followed correct procedures in addressing whatever problems they might have had.

"The IFP is a disciplined party of disciplined members."