A fresh political storm is unfolding in Ekurhuleni after sweeping changes to the Mayoral Executive were announced in the early hours of the morning, just a day before the newly-appointed Members of the Mayoral Committee are expected to be sworn in.
The announcement, made by Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, outlined a reconfigured executive under what he described as an agreed-upon Ekurhuleni Governance Framework.
According to Xhakaza, the framework is intended to guide the work of the executive and serve as the foundation for a stable and sustainable Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU).
Xhakaza said the framework is anchored on cohesion, stability and a people-centred administration.
“Coalition must be based on a common minimum programme that focuses on measurable targets to service delivery and development in the communities,” he said.
He added that coalition partners must commit to “shared values, stability, accountability, ethics, integrity, community participation, good governance, respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism.”
“The Ekurhuleni Governance Framework is anchored under the principles of cohesion, stability and people-centred government. The building of strong governance rooted in a pro-poor and people-centred agenda to provide services to residents with responsiveness and agility,” the statement read.
As part of the reshuffle, the Mayor announced the following portfolios in the new Executive:
• Metro Utilities (Trading) Services: Clr Jean Sthato
• Metro Operations and Maintenance: Clr Nomadlozi Nkosi
• Human Settlements: Clr Leshaka Manamela
• Development Planning and Real Estate: Clr Dino Peterson
• Roads and Transport: Clr Lindiwe Mnguni
• Community Services and By-Law Enforcement: Clr Xolani Khumalo
• Community Safety: Clr Mzayifani Ngwenya
• Corporate Shared Services: Clr Siphumule Ntombela
• Infrastructure and Economic Development Agency (EDA): Clr Thembi Msane
• Finance and Strategy: Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi
The newly-appointed MMCs are expected to be sworn in tomorrow, formalising the new executive structure. However, the reshuffle has triggered strong pushback from ActionSA, which has categorically distanced itself from a media statement suggesting it is part of the new arrangement.
ActionSA says the statement is fabricated and does not reflect any engagement or agreement involving the party.
Mashaba was emphatic in his response: “I have consistently made it clear that we will not join his failing government and have rejected every personal and formal approach made to us,” he said.
“Our position has been very clear on every occasion that we will not lend credibility to an administration that has overseen the lawlessness and deterioration of service delivery that continues to cripple the city.”
He added that residents are bearing the brunt of political instability and governance failures.
“The people of Ekurhuleni are tired of dysfunction, lawlessness and the collapse of basic municipal services,” Mashaba said.
“ActionSA’s focus remains on restoring governance, cleaning out corruption, restoring the rule of law and fixing the fundamentals of service delivery. These are priorities we intend to implement when we secure a clear mandate from residents in the upcoming local government elections.”
Mashaba also urged caution regarding the circulating statement.
“I urge the public and the media to disregard the fabricated statement and to verify information through ActionSA’s official communication platforms,” he said.
Saturday Star