THE ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has recalled the entire executive committee of the embattled and cash-strapped uMsunduzi municipality.

Those sacked include mayor Zanele Hlatshwayo, deputy mayor Mervin Dirks and speaker Alfa Khumalo. Khumalo tendered his resignation on Monday.

As if that was not enough, Hlatshwayo and Dirks were ordered to resign as councilors, meaning that they don't have jobs anymore.Of the 10-person executive committee, seven are ANC members.

Announcing the unprecedented move in KZN, provincial ANC secretary Sihle Zikalala said this complete overhaul included the chief whip and all office bearers.

"We took this decision arising from the need to ensure cohesion and synergy among the senior political office bearers in council," Zikalala said.

"The decision reflects the practical commitment to preserve good governance and to ensure nothing frustrates the proper functioning of council.

"We remain conscious of the fact that local government constitutes a critical sphere of government, given its mandate and close proximity to the people."

Zikalala said the ANC's provincial working committee would meet and decide who the new office bearers would be.

"Once the mayor and exco members tend their resignations, the council will be convened, possibly at the end of the month, to elect the new office bearers," Zikalala said.

"We expect that this is going to be a smooth process as the ANC had showed in the past its capability of maintaining stability during difficult times."

Zikalala said as a party the ANC supported government intervention in the embattled municipality.

"The provincial government's intervention resonates with our commitment of ensuring proper functioning of municipalities without fear or favour," he said.

Zikalala said though there had been challenges in the region, the party was growing significantly.