Party says it will table a motion to remove Mayor Nyaniso Goodman Nelani, citing fraud allegations, findings of the municipal Ad Hoc Committee, and the need for accountability as criminal proceedings continue.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Eastern Cape has called for the removal of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Nyaniso Goodman Nelani, following his appearance in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on fraud-related charges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party confirmed that it will table a motion at the next municipal council sitting seeking Nelani’s removal from office.
The EFF said the move is based on the seriousness of the allegations before the court, as well as findings made by the municipality’s Ad Hoc Committee, which reportedly investigated the matter.
Nelani appeared alongside the municipal manager, the former chief financial officer and other municipal officials on allegations of fraud linked to the alleged misuse of municipal funds.
According to the allegations before the court, the accused allegedly used a fraudulent invitation letter to create the impression that the mayor had been officially invited to attend a government programme. Investigators allege this resulted in the municipality paying more than R57,000 for travel and accommodation for what was not an official government engagement. The allegations remain before the court and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The EFF said the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipal Council has both the authority and responsibility to consider the mayor’s removal, citing provisions of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act.
The party further announced that it will write to the Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, requesting urgent intervention.
It also called for the immediate resignation of all politicians implicated in the matter and the suspension of all implicated municipal officials pending the outcome of criminal and disciplinary processes.
The EFF said such measures are necessary to protect the integrity of public institutions and maintain public confidence while legal proceedings continue.
Concluding its statement, the party said it remains committed to promoting ethical, transparent and accountable governance, adding that no individual, regardless of political position or status, should be above the law.
