Mayor’s bodyguard to run for council

WITH the local government elections less than a week away, Mahlangu Ngcobo has set his sights on becoming Ward 12 councillor in Mpophomeni Township, near Howick, come next week.

Should he win the contest, he will have to resign from his position as bodyguard to uMngeni Municipality Mayor Sizwe Sokhela.

The 46-year-old Ngcobo confirmed that he was running for public office as an independent candidate and was optimistic about his chances, saying he enjoyed significant public support.

He told The Mercury his name had been approved by the community when the ANC conducted public meetings in which councillor candidates were nominated.

But he had been shocked to discover that another ANC candidate in Ward 12 emerged.

“As an ANC member, I cannot say where things changed, all I know is that when the names were announced mine was not there, and then the community rallied behind me to run as an independent candidate,” said Ngcobo.

He admitted that campaigning had been difficult because of the demands of his job as the mayor’s bodyguard.

Ngcobo decried the level of underdevelopment in the area, saying he was hoping to change the situation if elected.

“The situation is quite sad here and that is what I want to fight against if I win next week,” the bodyguard said.

He identified a housing shortage and lack of jobs as the primary problems which he promised to address as part of a five-year-plan he said he had developed with community involvement.

He described his relationship with the mayor as being professional without any hiccups.

“There is no tension between the mayor and myself because I discharge my duties as expected and that is it,” said Ngcobo.

Asked whether he was prepared for possible expulsion from the ANC over his move to stand as an independent candidate, Ngcobo said he would face any sanction.

“The level of anger from the people who told me to stand as an independent is such that if I did not enter the race they would feel let down. I know my decision will upset some within the ANC but that is not my primary concern. My focus is on winning next week and as you know the day is drawing nearer,” Ngcobo said.

Approached for comment, ANC provincial spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela said party members were not allowed to stand as independent candidates.

“Once you stand as an independent you are clearly defying the organisation and the appropriate action is expulsion from the ANC,” said Ntombela.