The atmosphere in Nquthu in KwaZulu Natal is calm and political parties are displaying an air of tolerance. The municipality is holding much contested by-elections. 14 political parties are contesting 33 seats in the council, which were left vacant when the MEC for Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), dissolved the council because infighting prevented the council from electing representatives. This meant that services were not being provided to residents. Our reporters Nonkululeko Hlophe and Khalesakhe Mbhense are in the area of Maduladula and Emaqhudeni respectively. They spoke to Stephen Kirker.
