In Buffalo City ex-mayor Zukiswa Faku won the election to lead the ANC in the greater East London region, while Former Msunduzi deputy mayor Alpha Shelembe was announced as the new chairman of the Moses Mabhida region (Pietermaritzburg). I’m worried about the future prospects of SA as we are increasingly seeing people of questionable character win these positions.
Faku was dumped as mayor in 2011 following a tumultuous political career dogged by allegations of corruption and maladministration. Last year, she was implicated in a forensic report by audit firm Ernst & Young which uncovered the mismanagement of funds totaling R2-billion during her term as mayor.
Shelembe is currently facing charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering. It is alleged that he played a role in the selling of a building to the district municipality at an inflated price. Last year, he resigned as the ANC regional treasurer and deputy mayor after allegations that he had a hand in the burning down of the ANC's offices there. He was later acquitted on the charge of arson.
Despite their questionable and chequered past, the two were toasted and celebrated in their respective constituencies as worthy leaders of the ruling party.
The ANC acknowledges that it faces a "crisis of credibility", but continues to elect questionable leaders, who will by virtue of their possessions become leaders of the country. No assessment of candidates vying for leadership positions is done. Instead, factionalism and vote-buying often determine the outcome of elections – all to the detriment of South Africa.
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