Political Tensions Escalate in eThekwini Over Board Appointments

The eThekwini Municipality council meeting on Friday turned contentious as the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance exchanged sharp accusations during discussions on non-executive director appointments to key municipal entities. The session highlighted deep divisions in local governance in Durban, South Africa's third-largest city and a major economic hub in KwaZulu-Natal.

Councillors debated appointments to the boards of the Durban International Convention Centre, trading as the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, and the Durban Marine Theme Park. The ANC described opposition criticism as racially motivated, while the DA framed the selections as examples of political patronage that undermine effective management of public assets.

Details of the Contested Appointments

The council considered four individuals for three-year terms on the convention centre board, running from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2029: Thinta Cibane, Dr Pritish Dala, Lwazoluhle Kleinbooi and Thulisa Ndlela. For the marine theme park board, eight names were put forward: Diane Hoorzuk, Nompumelelo Mabaso, Suren Maharaj, Dr William Mapena, Prince Mthembu, Mbali Myeni, Sihle Ndlovu and Dr Brandon Pillay.

The municipality emphasised that the selected individuals possess diverse skills, knowledge and experience across multiple sectors. Officials stated these backgrounds would enable strategic leadership to help the entities meet their objectives amid ongoing operational challenges.

Opposition voices, however, raised concerns about the process and the backgrounds of some appointees. Heinz de Boer, the DA councillor for Ward 36, described the marine theme park list as unusual due to the inclusion of former ANC councillors who had previously served on boards where performance had reportedly fallen short.

DA Critique Focuses on Cronyism and Qualifications

De Boer called for a review of board appointment practices to reduce political influence. He argued that repeated placement of the same individuals in positions of authority reflects a pattern of cronyism that has affected municipalities across South Africa. The councillor stressed the need to prioritise candidates best equipped to address the difficulties facing entities such as the Durban Marine Theme Park, which has required financial support in recent periods.

According to de Boer, the focus should remain on merit and the ability to deliver results rather than political affiliation. He linked such practices to broader governance issues that hinder service delivery and financial stability in local government.

ANC Response Labels Criticism as Racist

Nkosenhle Madlala, the ANC whip on the Executive Committee and chairperson of the Governance and Human Resources Committee, countered that the DA's objections stemmed from racial bias. He asserted that the appointees are qualified with proven experience on other boards and within the municipality.

Madlala maintained that questioning the integrity of professionals such as Dr Mapena without substantive grounds amounted to racism. He described the DA as a racist party in the heat of the exchange.

Speaker Thabani Nyawose intervened to clarify that Madlala had characterised the statements rather than labelling any individual councillor directly as racist. The DA demanded a full withdrawal and apology. Madlala offered a holistic apology but reiterated concerns about the motivation behind the opposition stance.

Meeting Descends into Disorder

The exchange escalated further when a DA member approached the ANC benches, resulting in a physical scuffle. Earlier remarks during the session included one councillor referring to another as “stupid.” The atmosphere remained charged as other parties, including the Minority Front, Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA and the United Independent Movement, joined the DA in voting against the appointments.

The incident underscores the fractious nature of council proceedings in eThekwini, where coalition dynamics and historical political rivalries frequently surface during decision-making on municipal entities.

Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash

Broader Context of Municipal Board Governance

Non-executive directors on municipal boards provide oversight and strategic guidance without day-to-day operational involvement. In entities such as convention centres and theme parks, these roles influence tourism promotion, event hosting and revenue generation for the city. Durban relies heavily on these facilities to attract visitors and support the local economy.

Critics of political appointments argue that such selections can compromise accountability and expertise. Proponents maintain that experienced public servants bring valuable institutional knowledge. The debate in eThekwini reflects national discussions on cadre deployment versus merit-based selection in public institutions.

Previous Legal Challenges by the DA

The recent clash occurs against a backdrop of ongoing legal action by the DA against eThekwini. The party has previously approached the courts over the appointment of senior directors, citing concerns about compliance with constitutional requirements. A case involving three executive appointments was scheduled for hearing in early 2026.

These disputes illustrate persistent friction between the governing party and opposition on matters of staffing and governance in the municipality. Court outcomes could set precedents for future board and executive selections.

Implications for Service Delivery and Public Trust

Disruptions in council meetings and accusations of bias can delay decisions on critical infrastructure and economic initiatives. Entities like the convention centre and marine theme park play roles in job creation and revenue for eThekwini residents. Prolonged political standoffs risk affecting maintenance, operations and visitor confidence.

Residents and businesses in Durban have expressed frustration with governance instability in recent years. Effective board oversight is viewed as essential for turning around underperforming municipal assets and restoring financial health.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Political Appointments

ANC representatives have consistently defended their selections by highlighting the qualifications and track records of appointees. They argue that experience in public service equips individuals to navigate complex municipal environments.

DA councillors advocate for transparent, skills-based processes that minimise partisan influence. They point to instances where prior board members were linked to financial or operational shortfalls as justification for closer scrutiny.

Smaller parties in the council have aligned with calls for reform, voting against the latest round of appointments and signalling broader dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Looking Ahead for eThekwini Governance

With local government elections approaching in 2026, the board appointments debate is likely to feature in campaign discourse. Both major parties are positioning themselves on issues of accountability, economic recovery and inclusive decision-making.

Municipal officials have reiterated their commitment to appointing individuals capable of steering entities toward sustainability. Observers note that restoring public confidence will require demonstrable improvements in service delivery and transparent processes.

The episode serves as a reminder of the challenges facing coalition and multi-party governance in South African municipalities, where ideological differences and historical grievances can quickly surface during routine administrative matters.

Photo by Storyzangu Hub on Unsplash

Understanding Key Municipal Entities

The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre hosts major conferences, exhibitions and events that contribute to Durban's profile as a destination. Its board oversees strategic direction for facilities that support the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The Durban Marine Theme Park, known for attractions such as uShaka Marine World, faces financial pressures and requires effective governance to balance operational costs with public benefit. Board members are tasked with guiding recovery and long-term viability.

Appointments to these bodies carry significant responsibility given the entities' roles in the city's economic ecosystem and their reliance on public funding.