“Azange ndabeka nyawo lwam eziseleni,” In his words.
The Mthatha High Court has officially withdrawn the case against former Matatiele Local Municipality Mayor, Sonwabile Mngenela, due to insufficient evidence. Mngenela was charged with misusing R13,914 in municipal funds for personal use, specifically authorizing accommodation and travel costs for himself, his driver, and an ANC councillor to attend a meeting in East London. The charges were laid by Democratic Alliance Chief Whip Wonga Potwana in July 2023.
According to Mngenela, the case is not merely provisionally withdrawn, but rather “officially closed by the court due to insufficient evidence. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also argued that it should not be involved in what appears to be a political matter.”
Mngenela explained that several individuals approached him offering to pay back the amount, which they did, allowing him to participate in the African National Congress’s 5th regional conference in July this year. He believes the charges were politically motivated, aimed at preventing him from standing in the conference. “I was the organizer of this entire region from the grassroots level, so yes, this was political,” he stated.
The case has sparked controversy, with some calling for Mngenela’s reinstatement as Mayor of Matatiele Local Municipality, given his clearance by the court. However, Mngenela emphasized that the decision to reinstate him lies with the ANC. “I’m led by the ANC, meaning it’s their decision whether the current leadership reinstates me or not,” he said, acknowledging that some people want him back in the mayor’s office due to their belief in him.
Mngenela also responded to comments made by Nomvula Qola, who has expressed her views on social media regarding the case’s outcome and Mngenela’s alleged desire to return as Mayor. Mngenela claims Qola has a personal vendetta against him, stemming from her unsuccessful application for the Public Participation Manager position. “She wanted to be included on the list so she could become a speaker, and I didn’t give her, hence the portrayed hatred towards me. And she’s not alone; there are journalists and publications who use political factions to tarnish my name,” he said.
Mngenela claims that he handed over himself to the authorities, not once he was arrested as per some reported claims by certain publications. In his words “Azange ndabeka nyawo lwam eziseleni.”
