The African National Congress (ANC) has officially axed two top municipal leaders in KwaZulu-Natal following a series of damaging scandals and allegations of abuse of public funds.
Ali Ngidi, the controversial mayor of KwaDukuza Local Municipality, and his deputy, Njabulo Cele, have been recalled by the ANC’s provincial task team. This follows months of mounting pressure over their extravagant lifestyle and questionable municipal spending.
Both officials assumed office in November 2024, replacing former mayor Lindiwe Nhaca. However, instead of delivering on promises of clean governance, their term was marred by controversies almost from day one.
Luxury Cars, Personal Errands & Public Money
Ngidi made headlines soon after taking office by dumping the existing mayoral fleet and opting to hire luxury vehicles for official use. The council had not even approved the change when the decision was implemented.
In a more personal scandal, Ngidi’s wife was seen using an official back-up vehicle—deemed unroadworthy by municipal standards—for everyday tasks like shopping and transporting their children.
This sparked public outcry as reports revealed that these vehicles were maintained using municipal funds. The misuse of state resources soon became a symbol of what many called a breakdown in ethical leadership.
Adding to the outrage, it was revealed that the municipality was paying R173,000 per month to a Durban-based security firm, Pro-Secure, to guard Ngidi’s private residence. A leaked invoice showed that 10 guards were stationed at his home day and night.
15 Bodyguards, R175K Monthly Security Bill
This was just part of the protection package. Another five bodyguards were assigned from a second security company, CPO, which charged R35,000 per guard per month. In total, about R175,000—excluding VAT—was being paid monthly just for the mayor’s personal security entourage.
Altogether, Ngidi enjoyed the protection of 15 bodyguards, fully funded by the KwaDukuza Municipality, which itself has been under financial scrutiny in recent months.
The same administration under Ngidi’s watch also entered into questionable sponsorship deals that raised red flags over financial mismanagement.
ANC Steps In, Demands Accountability
Mike Mabuyakhulu, the ANC’s provincial coordinator, led a delegation to KwaDukuza on Wednesday to officially announce the recall of Ngidi and Cele. He confirmed that both had submitted resignation letters but would stay in office until replacements are appointed.
The ANC has also resolved that Ngidi and Cele must personally repay all funds spent on hired vehicles from the time they started using them until council approval. Additionally, Ngidi must reimburse the costs incurred when his wife used the back-up vehicle.
“All those expenses fall on him. He must cover the costs,” Mabuyakhulu stated firmly.
Opposition Welcomes the Decision
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomed the ANC’s decision to fire Ngidi. DA caucus leader Privi Markan said Ngidi had demonstrated poor leadership and had made repeated attempts to centralize power as if he were an executive mayor.
“His legacy is one of handshakes, poor decisions, and silence when bold leadership was needed most,” Markan said.
The ANC’s swift action signals a renewed effort to clean up its image in KwaZulu-Natal and take a firmer stance on internal corruption—especially ahead of future elections.
