A SPOILT ballot paper has helped the IFP win the Jozini Municipality in northern KZN from the ANC.
The municipality had been one of the hung municipalities in KZN following delays in electing the executive council. Political parties failed to reach an agreement during three previous meetings.
The IFP celebrated their victory on Friday, after getting 20 votes against the ANC’s 19. This brought the deadlock to an end.
The result came after a councillor allegedly voted for both the ANC and IFP, thus spoiling the ballot paper.
The earlier deadlock was caused by the ANC voting with an independent councillor to give them 20 seats, while the IFP voted with the DA and EFF, giving them 20 seats as well.
The newly elected mayor is Delani Mabika of the IFP, while Lindiwe Gumbi, also an IFP member, was elected new Speaker.
Independent councillor Sphamandla Mathenjwa is the new deputy mayor.
ANC provincial secretary Super Zuma said his party was conducting an investigation to find out who spoiled their ballot paper.
“We cannot speculate who it was, but as soon as we find out we will make a decision,” said Zuma.
Rumour has it that whoever spoilt their ballot paper was offered money to do so.
Jozini IFP MP Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said her party distanced itself from the rumour and didn’t have money to buy votes.
