Mr. Jacob Zuma’s PARTY, Mkhonto Wesizwe Party, has taken a big hit as it has been joined by the former Deputy Manager in the Department of Economic Development and Planning who became the Head of the Tourism Unit in the Municipality of Thekwini, Mr. Phillip Sithole.
This news was revealed by Sithole on his Facebook page and he posted a picture of himself with Zuma and the Secretary-General of the group.
On the photo there was a text saying “I have joined MKP, here I am with President Zuma and Secretary-Jikele Mncwango. It’s time. Gwaza Mkhonto Gwaza.”
Sithole, who hails from Nanda, was a staunch member of the ANC and a Radical Economic Transformation (RET) activist who is very close to the former mayor of Durban, Mrs Zandile Gumede. The joining of Sithole from Nanda follows that of Mr. Mshangane Ndabandaba, who was the mayor of Nongoma.
Sithole worked for 22 years in the Thekwini Municipality but the rift between him and the municipality broke in 2022. When asked on social media if MKP wins the elections in the Thekwini Municipality in November, Sithole said that it is pointless for him to run for a big position, such as being the Municipal Manager in this council.
“I’m just a member,” said Sithole. When he left the municipality, Sithole boasted that he had received large sums of money that were invested in the city. He pointed out that he was extensively trained by the former manager of this municipality, Mr. Mike Sutcliffe, and the former executive officer of the council, Lindiwe Mahlangu.
While holding a position in the economic development unit, Sithole got big projects, especially Oceans Mall in Mhlanga and Legacy Yard. He also contributed to R5 billion invested in Durban townships such as Mlaza, Ntuzuma, Inanda and Hammarsdale.
Other development projects he is involved in are Westown in Ntshongongi and Midway Crossing Mall in Newlands West. He was instrumental in the development of events such as the Durban Business Fair and the Durban Fashion Fair.