Jongizizwe Dlabathi, the regional secretary of the ANC in Ekurhuleni, has resigned from his position, citing differences with Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. Dlabathi as well resigned as a Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for finance, effective immediately.
Political Tensions in Ekurhuleni
The resignation follows a period of political tension in the City of Ekurhuleni, with Dlabathi reportedly concerned that Mayor Xhakaza was making critical decisions without consulting regional party leaders. According to those around Dlabathi, he felt Xhakaza had been “wielding the axe” in council without proper consultation.
The immediate catalyst for Dlabathi’s resignation appears to have been a decision made on Wednesday to fill three mayoral committee positions – previously held by the EFF and ActionSA – with ANC councillors. Xhakaza had appointed Nkgopotse Nsizwa Mekgwe as MMC for human settlements, Siyabonga Mathews Moloi as MMC for community services, and Dora Mlambo, who is also the council speaker, as MMC for economic infrastructure and development.
A Shifting Coalition
This move came after Xhakaza sought to reduce the EFF’s representation on the executive from five positions to two, a change the EFF rejected. The EFF had previously sought to replace Nthabiseng Tshivhenga with Nkululeko Dunga as council speaker, but Xhakaza appointed Dora Mlambo to the position instead.
The EFF has previously indicated that continued actions by Xhakaza could lead to the party withdrawing its support for the ANC in other municipalities and in the Gauteng provincial legislature, where the ANC currently leads a minority government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Jongizizwe Dlabathi’s resignation?
Dlabathi resigned due to differences with Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, specifically citing a lack of consultation on critical decisions within the municipality. The final decision to fill MMC positions previously held by other parties with ANC councillors was a key factor.
What positions did Xhakaza fill with ANC councillors?
Xhakaza appointed Nkgopotse Nsizwa Mekgwe as MMC for human settlements, Siyabonga Mathews Moloi as MMC for community services, and Dora Mlambo as MMC for economic infrastructure and development.
What has been the EFF’s response to Xhakaza’s actions?
The EFF rejected Xhakaza’s reduction of their representation on the mayoral committee and has threatened to withdraw support for the ANC in other areas.
As Ekurhuleni navigates this period of political change, what impact will these shifts in power have on service delivery and the stability of the local government?