IFP candidate's story reinforces saying 'never give up'

18 September 2016 - 02:00 By Matthew Savides and Nathi Olifant

His name might sound defeatist but IFP candidate Delani Mabika won a mayoral post in Zululand this week - thanks to a councillor from the rival ANC who spoilt their ballot. Mabika, whose name means "just give up", won the post in Jozini municipality on Friday, beating the ANC's Ndodephethe Mthethwa, whose name means "the man in charge".An ANC-led faction and an IFP-led faction in the municipality each have 20 councillors, and four previous attempts to elect a mayor, deputy mayor, speaker and chief whip had ended in deadlock.In the fifth attempt on Friday, it had been expected the posts would have to be filled after the drawing of lots.But as an official of the Independent Electoral Commission tallied the votes, it emerged that an ANC-aligned councillor had spoilt their ballot for both the posts of speaker and mayor. Mabika won by 20 votes to 19. ..

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