Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza's late-night reshuffle of his Mayoral Committee has led to the EFF withdrawing from the coalition, creating uncertainty in the city's governance. The move, which expanded ANC positions and reduced the EFF's roles, was rejected by both the EFF and ActionSA. This leaves the ANC-led coalition without a majority in the 224-seat council.
On Tuesday, Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced a reshuffle of his Mayoral Committee, assigning key roles in finance, roads and transport, and utility services to ANC councillors. The EFF's positions were reduced from four to two—infrastructure and development, and human settlements—but the party rejected these and exited the coalition entirely. ActionSA, offered its first role with councillor Xolani Khumalo as MMC for community services and by-law enforcement, also declined the appointment.
The coalition, comprising the ANC, EFF, ActionSA, and Patriotic Alliance, previously held 136 of the council's 224 seats, with the ANC at 86, DA at 65, and EFF at 31. The EFF's withdrawal eliminates the majority, heightening risks to service delivery and political stability. ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont cited ongoing corruption concerns, referencing the Madlanga Commission, as a reason for rejection: “We have fundamental issues relating to that government’s record in corruption.” EFF's Gauteng deployees convenor Mgcini Tshwaku claimed no consultation occurred, stating, “The mayor did not consult anyone.”
This follows prior tensions, including Xhakaza's 2024 removal of EFF's Nkululeko Dunga from the finance MMC role and subsequent ousting of the EFF speaker and two MMCs. ANC regional chairperson Jongizizwe Dlabathi defended the changes as aligning with national party guidelines on proportional representation, saying, “We put a case that there is a need for us to make changes to the composition of the executive.” He anticipates filling vacancies before the next council meeting.
Opposition voices expressed concern. DA caucus leader Brandon Pretorius called it self-preservation, vowing to hold the executive accountable. IFP provincial secretary Alco Ngobese worried about delays in service delivery. The EFF plans to oppose the ANC and may back a no-confidence motion against Xhakaza, though a previous one in March 2023 was withdrawn. The reshuffle could impact Gauteng's provincial budget, requiring EFF support.
