MTHATHA, Eastern Cape — As the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality assesses the devastating aftermath of the recent Eastern Cape floods, severe infrastructure failures have taken center stage in the upcoming municipal elections. In response to the crisis, United Democratic Movement (UDM) mayoral candidate Mlimandlela Ndamase has pledged comprehensive solutions to rebuild the region’s collapsed service delivery and end decades of single-party neglect.
Infrastructure Collapse and Flood Devastation
Heavy downpours earlier this week left a trail of destruction across parts of the Eastern Cape, prompting residents to blame poor infrastructure for the widespread damage. Ndamase highlighted that the crisis extends far beyond the immediate floodwaters, pointing to systemic failures in basic civil engineering.
He noted that many roads and bridges, some dating back to the former Transkei era, were never constructed properly. “Bridges that have been ticked off in municipal books as constructed and completed with retention walls and all the engineering… practically when you visit those areas, the naked eye can simply tell you that this is not a bridge that is safe,” Ndamase explained.
He emphasized that the infrastructure collapse is so severe that it cuts off communities from essential services. Ambulances cannot reach patients in rural villages, and, in a tragic reflection of the decay, hearses are currently unable to transport deceased residents back to their families for burial.
Tackling Corruption and the “Brain Drain”
Addressing the root causes of the infrastructure decay, the UDM candidate pointed to systemic corruption and state looting. He argued that the “disease of corruption” prevents honest contractors from delivering quality work, as they are often forced to satisfy illicit financial demands outside the scope of their awarded contracts.
Ndamase stressed the urgent need for an ethical municipality that prioritizes efficiency and superior service delivery to reverse the region’s decline. He lamented that despite the former Transkei region producing top CEOs in banking, engineering, and telecommunications, the area suffers from a severe lack of political leadership. This governance failure has triggered a brain drain, forcing skilled professionals and their children to emigrate because they no longer view the municipality as a viable home.
2026 Election Outlook: Challenging the ANC Majority
Looking ahead to the November 9, 2026, municipal polls, Ndamase expressed high confidence in the UDM’s ability to unseat the African National Congress (ANC). The ANC currently holds a dominant 48 seats in the municipality, while the UDM holds a distant second with 11 seats.
Dismissing historical voting patterns, Ndamase urged voters to look at the national political trajectory of 2026 rather than the results of 2021. “We are in the last six days of a single-party majority rule in King Sabata Dalindyebo,” he stated. He predicted that the arrogance of single-party rule will soon be replaced by a collaborative, multi-party government capable of appreciating and responding to the frustrations of the electorate.
He also touched on the historical context of the region, acknowledging the mixed legacy of the Matanzima era. While recognizing both the positive and negative aspects of that period, he stressed that 32 years into democracy, the current government must deliver tangible, functional infrastructure.
ANC Projects Confidence in KwaZulu-Natal
In broader election-related developments, the ANC is projecting confidence in retaining its support in KwaZulu-Natal despite what leadership describes as a difficult campaign in Tongaat.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed concerns regarding recent surveys that place the party lower than its competitors. Echoing sentiments from KZN convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu, Ramaphosa emphasized that the party is actively ignoring polling data. Instead, leadership insists they are focusing entirely on ground-level work, maintaining that the ANC will emerge as the majority party in the province.
Confronting Criminal Syndicates
On a personal note regarding his departure from the ANC—a party he supported for most of his life—Ndamase denied experiencing political backlash from former comrades. Instead, he revealed that the threats he faces originate from criminal syndicates embedded within the political system who continue to benefit from municipal looting.
He called on the residents of King Sabata Dalindyebo to maintain the highest level of political discipline and maturity. Ndamase urged all contesting parties to cooperate as equals to foster a vibrant democracy, stressing that joint delivery for the people can only be achieved if the political system unites to confront the criminal elements intimidating public servants.
