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uMngeni Mayor Faces Protests Amid Accusations of Nepotism

Published October 06, 2023
1 years ago

Approximately 200 supporters of the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) rallied today in Howick, a town situated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, in a potent demonstration against the incumbent uMngeni Mayor, Chris Pappas.



Just a week prior, Pappas was publicly announced by the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the party's premier candidate for the impending general elections of next year. This detail serves as a backdrop to a scandal, stemming from a letter addressed to the public protector by Sizwe Mchunu, a former KZN DA leader who has since defected to the ANC.


In his letter, Mchunu cast a spotlight on allegations of nepotism involving Pappas, claiming that his ex-fiancé, Jean-Pierre Prinsloo, was granted the position of uMngeni tourism head along with a R100,000 grant, seemingly as a result of his personal relationship with Pappas. The Mayor has staunchly denied these accusations.



On the day of the protest, Pappas announced his intention to observe the proceedings. The demonstration saw a significant security presence, consisting of multiple security firms and public order police. Numerous taxis carrying ANCYL members arrived in the town as part of the event.


Mayor Pappas revealed, "Information indicates that organizers have been busing people in from other parts of the province and have been trying to mobilize since 1am." He warned motorists to avoid the Howick bridge, a central gateway into the town, due to projected traffic disruptions.


Wesley Kgang, the ANCYL national spokesperson, stated that the aim of the protest was to insist that Pappas uphold his oath of office, metaphorically urging him to keep his “trousers zipped” to prevent any further swindling of public funds.


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