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After a period of instability, the City of Ekurhuleni metro municipality has a new leader after the ANC's Nkosindiphile Xhakaza was elected as mayor on Thursday, April 11, 2023.
Xhakaza took office after the city inched closer to administration following the removal of his predecessor, Sivuyile Ngodwana from the African Independent Congress (AIC), through a motion of no confidence two weeks ago, leaving the City with no leadership.
Ekurhuleni's political landscape had become increasingly uncertain as parties struggled to reach a consensus on a candidate to fill the vacant mayoral position.
READ: Auditor-General denies EFF claims of political interference in City of Ekurhuleni audit report
Speaking at the 31st annual commemorative ceremony of Chris Hani in Ekurhuleni, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula highlighted that the ANC won 78 of 112 wards in Ekurhuleni.
He said:
Mbalula acknowledged the difficulty in choosing a mayor despite the ANC's majority.
"In the council, the power we rightfully deserve isn't readily available. You [the ANC] are forced to beg other parties for it because our people didn't vote in sufficient numbers," he said.
READ: Mzwandile Masina | Why you should give the ANC another chance with your vote
Mbalula addressed talks of forming a coalition government with the ANC, stating their firm stance against it.
He emphasised that the ANC had never won elections effortlessly and had always campaigned "hard".
He criticised coalitions, suggesting they were the cause of Johannesburg's potholes.
"In times of problems, accountability becomes unclear. In a coalition government, who do you turn to? Kenny Kunene with his tight jeans to help form a government?" he asked rhetorically.
Mbalula further argued that coalitions would lead to constant instability, with motions of no confidence prompting frequent mayoral elections.
Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC Mzi Khumalo, on Tuesday, expressed his belief that the situation in Ekurhuleni demonstrated South Africa's unpreparedness for coalition governments.
"My assertion," he said, "is that I don't think we are ready for coalition governments. This is exactly the consequence, while respecting the will of the voters because what we have is what they gave us."
