Two Royals, One Mayoral Seat: Mthatha Race Takes Shape

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.

Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase Officially Enters The Mayoral Race

Lubabalo Ngcukana · 4d ago · 1 min read