ANC Signals End of Coalition with EFF in Ekurhuleni Amid Governance Crises

In a significant turn of events within the Ekurhuleni municipality, the African National Congress (ANC) has expressed intentions to overhaul the city’s political leadership, indicating an imminent cessation of its co-governance with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). ANC regional task team coordinator Jongizizwe Dlabathi articulated serious concerns over the state of the metropolitan area, prompting the decision which might effectively end their coalition with the EFF - often referred to colloquially as the red berets.

The initial alliance between the ANC, EFF, and other minority parties was formed under the strategy of Gauteng ANC chairperson Panyaza Lesufi. This move was intended to consolidate power from the Democratic Alliance-led coalition that previously held sway in several Gauteng municipalities. Although the coalition has maintained relative stability in Johannesburg, it has faced significant challenges in Ekurhuleni, resulting in tensions and internal conflict that have come to the fore.

Dlabathi announced this shift in strategy on the backdrop of serious service delivery concerns and what he perceives as a failure in governance. The concerns further escalated last week during a council meeting turned acrimonious as EFF councillors engaged in a confrontation with ANC counterparts, leading to chaotic scenes and allegations of a stolen cellphone.

The ANC has emphasized the need for order and professionalism in council meetings, chastising the speaker for not exercising their authority to quell disturbances. Moreover, with critical matters such as a motion of no confidence against the executive mayor on the horizon, the ANC considers the reconfiguration of the city’s leadership an urgent requirement to prevent Ebucks further decline.

Financial Management Committee (MMC) member Nkululeko Dunga, who is also the EFF's Gauteng chairperson, found himself on the receiving end of the ANC's criticism. Dlabathi criticized Dunga's management of the city’s financial crises, noting a lack of a tangible plan for financial recovery, a situation that exerts a high liquidity risk and affects the timely payment of creditors, particularly small businesses.

The ANC’s grievances extend to inefficiencies in core municipal services. Persistent electricity outages in areas like Kwa-Thema, poor waste management, illegal dumping, neglected cemetery maintenance, and rampant sewer overflows represent a growing concern for public health and safety in parts of the city.

Adding to the fray, a recent contention arose between finance MMC Dunga and the office of the Auditor-General (AG), where Dunga condemned the AG's office for delays in tabling the city's financials, insinuating a conspiracy to tarnish the EFF’s reputation. Nevertheless, Dlabathi has staunchly defended the AG's office, denouncing any politically motivated attacks against an institution fundamental to upholding democracy through its accountability role.

Amidst these unfolding events, Dlabathi directed a warning at Ekurhuleni's executive mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana of the African Independent Congress (AIC), urging him to take an active role in addressing the leadership crisis rather than maintaining a passive stance.

With assertions that the city teeters on the brink of total collapse, the ANC has underscored the urgency to intervene, particularly in the realms of energy, water, sanitation, maintenance, and financial administration, as they contemplate the city’s current predicament and the role of its administration.

As the ANC pushes for change, the future of governance in Ekurhuleni hangs in the balance. This proposed political reconfiguration initiated by the ANC sets the stage for a crucial period of negotiations and strategic decisions that will determine the city's trajectory.