In a meeting held on 12 September 2025 between African National Congress (ANC) officials and the ANC Caucus of Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the ANC instructed its caucus to “affirm the order of the Bargaining Council in the Council meeting and desist from appealing the outcomes.” This decision pertains to the reinstatement of Zamile Sikhundla as Municipal Manager by the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (Case Number: ECD 112409, dated 08 September 2025).
The Bargaining Council’s award orders the reinstatement of Sikhundla, following a case that has seen the municipality considering legal action against the decision. Despite the award, the municipality plans to lodge a notice to review the decision through the Labour Court, as communicated by Madlanga Attorneys and Partners Inc. However, the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, advised in a letter that the Executive Mayor and Council reconsider lodging the review application as the implications to the municipal finances and governance may transcend the intended outcome.
In the letter, the MEC highlights potential impacts of continued litigation, including strained labour relations in the municipality, effects on administrative and institutional stability due to continued vacancy in the Senior Manager position, and costs related to litigation that may strain the already depleted municipal budget. “It is in the best interest of the municipality to preserve its resources and focus on service delivery,” notes the MEC. The MEC suggests considering an independently facilitated mediation with Sikhundla for an amicable solution to any impasse.
Meanwhile the ANC emphasizes the need for stability, focus, and calm in the District Municipality to prioritize service delivery to the people of Alfred Nzo. In the statement the ANC says to this end, the appeals on matters surrounding employment and dismissal of employees in the District Municipality has drained the institution millions of rands which could have been used for service delivery, water and sanitation in particular that bothers the people of Alfred Nzo.
