Andile Lungisa, the controversial politician from Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB), resigned as a member of the mayoral committee on the advice of ANC secretary-general, Ace Magashule. This was according to a report in News24.
Lungisa has been something of a controversial figure in the metro, following his conviction for aggravated assault after he attacked a DA councillor, Rano Kayser, by smashing a water jug over his head. He was sentenced to two years in prison.
He appealed the conviction but it was dismissed. He has yet to serve his sentence.
Lungisa is said to be close to a number of influential ANC leaders, which has helped shield him from the consequences of his behaviour.
According to News24 Lungisa said: ‘I had a telephonic conversation with the SG [Magashule] and he explained the party processes, how we must be able to manage the processes as a disciplined member of the ANC. I then heeded the organisation’s call.’
Lungisa has been replaced on the mayoral committee by the United Democratic Movement’s Mongameli Bobani, a former mayor. According to News24 Lungisa said he would continue as an ordinary ANC member and work towards building support for the party ahead of next year’s municipal elections.
In 2018 Lungisa tweeted that the moon landing had been faked and that ‘Louis Armstrong’ had not been the first man on the moon.
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