Govan Mbeki Municipality – Controversy continues to mount after Cllr Jabu Zwane, the former MMC for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and ANC ward councillor for Ward 14, resigned on 28 May 2025 — a move that has yet to be officially acknowledged by the Speaker of Council.
Zwane submitted his resignation during a council sitting, reportedly handing a printed email to the Speaker, Cllr Fikile F. Magagamela, before walking out of the chamber. The letter, addressed to Executive Mayor Cllr NG Zuma, stated Zwane’s immediate resignation from both the African National Congress (ANC) and his council duties.
However, 22 days later, no declaration of a vacancy has been made.
Sources close to the council allege that the Speaker has refused to accept the resignation letter, arguing that it was not formally addressed to her. Critics say this inaction may be politically motivated, citing fears within the ANC of triggering a potentially damaging by-election, given the party’s recent decline in local support.
In his resignation letter, Zwane delivered a stinging critique of his former party, stating:
“The ANC has turned to be a foreign organisation which is no longer biased to the poor, vulnerable blacks in general and Africans in particular. I have decided to terminate my membership from the organisation effective immediately.”
By resigning from the ANC, Zwane automatically forfeited his seat on the council, per municipal regulations.
Speaking to The Bulletin, Zwane elaborated on his reasons, accusing the ANC leadership of ignoring corruption allegations and suppressing internal dissent. He specifically referenced the controversial Section 106 report, alleging that it was being “swept under the carpet” to protect implicated individuals.
He further accused former councillors — Ethel Nkosi, Lindi Masina, and Thandi Ngxonono — of still exerting significant influence over the municipality despite being deployed elsewhere.
“We need to get them to release their grip on this municipality,” Zwane said.
In a recent radio interview, Zwane reiterated that he had handed his resignation to both the Speaker and the ANC Chief Whip. He claimed that when raising concerns about irregularities involving security companies contracted by the municipality, he was silenced at both local and higher caucus levels.
Zwane also alleged that Cllr Thandi Ngxonono laid a case of intimidation against him, only to suggest later that she would drop the charges if he withdrew his resignation.
He went further, making explosive claims that senior political figures continue to wield unofficial power over administrative appointments and financial transactions in the municipality:
“Ethel Nkosi is controlling everything in Govan Mbeki — from the executive mayor to directors and even junior staff,” he alleged.
“Some officials are still paying her or buying things like TVs and furniture for her.”
Despite these serious accusations and the clear indication that Zwane has vacated his position, Speaker Magagamela has yet to act, drawing criticism for ignoring due process.
Observers say the silence may be a strategic delay aimed at avoiding a by-election that could cost the ANC a vital seat. Others suggest the hesitation reflects broader internal instability.
Opposition parties are now being urged to intervene, potentially escalating the matter to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) or the courts if necessary.
As the municipality remains in limbo, one question remains: Is this political manoeuvring — or a cover-up waiting to unravel?