Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal – The newly-appointed mayor of Nongoma, Mshangane Ndabandaba, caused quite a stir on Friday night as he celebrated his election victory with a joy ride in state vehicles, complete with flashing blue lights. The festive atmosphere was heightened by the presence of Ndabandaba’s family, who joined in the celebration and added to the excitement.
Ndabandaba, a member of the National Freedom Party, emerged victorious after a political battle against IFP veteran Albert Mngcwango, toppling him from the mayor’s seat. Eager to mark his new position, Ndabandaba and his family took to the streets in the municipality’s Toyota Prado and Toyota Fortuner, their joy evident as they reveled in the moment.
Residents of Nongoma were kept awake until the early hours of Saturday morning due to the exuberant celebrations and singing. One resident, who witnessed the event, initially thought that Ndabandaba had purchased the vehicles himself. However, it became apparent that they were municipal vehicles, driven by bodyguards who accompanied the mayor’s family. The flashing blue lights and continuous honking added to the spectacle, ensuring that the celebration did not go unnoticed.
Interestingly, this trend of KwaZulu-Natal politicians and their families celebrating their access to state assets is not new. In 2017, former IFP Nquthu mayor Mabilabila Kunene took the mayoral chain to his family kraal and proudly showed it to his ancestors, emphasizing his new position. He even performed a traditional ritual, slaughtering a cow to ensure that the ancestors joined in the celebration along with his family and the community.
This tradition continued in 2021 when UMhlathuze mayor Dr. Nkosiyakhe Donda, also from the IFP, made waves on social media. He surprised his wife, who worked as a nurse at a local clinic, by arriving in a municipal BMW convoy, accompanied by City of uMhlathuze police cars with flashing blue lights. This impromptu visit aimed to show his wife that he had been elected as mayor and included celebrating with her colleagues.
Ndabandaba’s celebratory ride comes after a tumultuous council session earlier on Friday, which solidified his position as the new Nongoma mayor. Alongside him, ANC Speaker Babongile Sithole and EFF Deputy Mayor Themba Nkosi also assumed their respective roles. The council session was marked by intense discussions and debates, highlighting the vibrant political landscape in the region.
While Ndabandaba’s celebration may have garnered attention and raised some eyebrows, it is important to note the significance of these moments for politicians and their families. The joy rides and traditional rituals serve as a way to acknowledge and share the achievement of political milestones with loved ones and the community at large. They symbolize the pride and connection politicians feel with their heritage and the people they represent.
As Ndabandaba settles into his role as mayor, it remains to be seen how his tenure will unfold and what impact his leadership will have on the Nongoma municipality. Nevertheless, his exuberant celebration has already left an indelible mark on the community, serving as a vivid reminder of the power and excitement associated with local politics in KwaZulu-Natal.
The blue lights flashing through the streets of Nongoma will continue to fade into memory, but the spirit of celebration and hope that they represented will linger on as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of South Africa’s political landscape.
Content created and supplied by: RSA_News (via Opera
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