Two Royals, One Mayoral Seat: Mthatha Race Takes Shape

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is preparing to announce Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase as its mayoral candidate for the beleaguered King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality at a function planned for Mthatha tomorrow.

The party’s top brass, including its president General Bantu Holomisa, his deputy Nqabayomzi Kwankwa and other national and provincial leaders are expected to arrive in Mthatha this afternoon ahead of the announcement. Ndamase will be announced alongside other UDM councillor candidates at the Rotary Stadium Rugby Field at 11am.

The announcement will set the tone for what is expected to be an exciting campaign ahead of the November 4 local government elections as he may end up going up against another popular and influential royal in Chief Mandla Mandela, who is widely expected to win the race as the ANC’s candidate to lead the Mthatha-based council. KSD also includes Mqanduli and Coffee Bay.

Mandela is the chief of Mvezo, while Ndamase is the Chief of Ngqubusini. Interestingly the current acting KSD mayor, Chief Mkhanyisele Dudumayo, is also of royal blood as he is a reigning headman.

The party remained mum yesterday and would not comment on the rumours, which have been spreading like wildfire in political circles in Mthatha. Bulelani Bhobhotyani, the party’s spokesperson, did not return The Coastal’s calls. Ndamase could only say he would be honoured if he were to be announced as the candidate for the UDM.

But highly placed sources in the UDM, including some in the party’s caucus and others in senior party structures, confirmed that Ndamase was their candidate and was set to be unveiled on Saturday.

"It is Mlimandlela Ndamase. It’s out in the open. People are talking about it,"

said a UDM insider, who asked not to be named as he is not allowed to speak to the media. Another UDM insider, who also confirmed the news, described Ndamase’s candidacy as “an open secret.”

“He brings with him knowledge and trust as he has never been linked to any wrongdoing.”

Ndamase shocked many in the ANC last month when it was announced that he was joining the UDM. “After the necessary internal consultation, the UDM leadership will determine how Prince Ndamase’s experience and capabilities can be utilized in line with the organizations priorities,” wrote Holomisa in his official announcement on August 25.

Since joining the party Ndamase has literally camped in Mthatha where he had been on campaign trail. He has addressed several community meetings, met and engaged with professionals, business leaders and property owners. This week he addressed a gathering of the party’s student movement -- UDESMO

Raymond Knock, the UDM councilor and caucus leader in the KSD, said they needed to 'save the council' by taking over the governance of KSD. He refused to be drawn into discussing Ndamase’s name. "There is no excuse for not having service delivery. We need to make sure that the grants that are given to the municipality are used for what they are requested for," Knock said.

He said the UDM was focused on its campaign and was not even bothered by the possibility of Mandela being the face of the ANC’s campaign in that municipality.

"We have a candidate, who is well known and we know he will carry our mandate as UDM correctly," Knock said.

Ndamase, a well-known and much-loved community and political activist, brings with him years of experience in the public service. He launched his activism in student and youth politics, culminating in him being appointed as the chairman of the Eastern Cape Youth Commission. Since that he has held senior roles in both local and national government and the private sector. He is a former spokesperson of the Film and Publications Board, as well as the City of Johannesburg. He also spent years working and supporting the current Deputy Secretary General of the ANC, Nomvula Mokonyane, in her previous roles in government.

Ndamase’s last known responsibility was as spokesperson of the South African F1 Bid Committee.

Yesterday the 43-year-old politician would neither confirm nor deny the news. While acknowledging being announced as the candidate for KSD would be honour, he was careful not to be seen to be imposing himself to the party. "You must also be a leader (with or) without positions because that is how you lead and support. If I was to be announced, it is something I would welcome. It would be a calling that I would respond to,” he said. "I would be honoured and would accept the challenge with an understanding that it is merely a bridge to open up opportunities for people who are qualified and have experience."

Mthatha is a known UDM stronghold and fielding Ndamase, a prince of the AmaMpondo AseNyandeni Kingdom, is seen by many as a masterstroke by the UDM as the ANC is divided in the region. These divisions were laid bare during a meeting in July when the party’s councilors could not agree on who should be their next mayor -- following Nyaniso Nelani's resignation. He resigned as he was facing serious corruption allegations.

It is because of these divisions and the emergence of strong opposition parties like the UDM, the African Transformation Movement and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) that the ANC found itself looking at Mandela as its candidate in the municipality.

Mandela is the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela and a former Member of Parliament. Should the ANC announce him as the face for its campaign locally, Mandela could find himself facing public scrutiny over his 2015 conviction on assault charges.

This followed a road-rage incident involving local teacher Mlamli Ngudle in 2013. Mandela was found guilty, fined R10 000 or two years in prison, but escaped conviction for the more serious charge of pointing a firearm.

When contacted for comment, he would not be drawn into discuss the case. “I don’t know any of that. And I cannot comment on anything regarding Mlimandlela. Thank you,” he said.