Renegade ANC councillors who supported former Nkomazi mayor Johan Mkhatshwa have failed their last-ditch attempt to remain in power when they lost during the recent by-elections.
The six including, Nkomazi Mayor Johan Mkhatshwa, ignored ANC councillor selection process outcomes, which recommended Phindile Magagula as the preferred mayoral candidate.
Former Ehlanzeni ANC regional chairperson Ngrayi Ngwenya had claimed that the ANC had suspended him to thwart Deputy President David Mabuza’s campaign for the ANC presidency.
The ANC in Mpumalanga now needs the votes of only three councillors to topple Nkomazi Local Municipality executive mayor Johan Mkhatshwa, who has refused to step down for five months.