Mbalula brushes off allegations of political interference in Joburg council

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has challenged his detractors to present evidence that he meddled in the City of Johannesburg's administrative affairs and the internal processes of the party’s greater Johannesburg regional elective conference. 

Mbalula, sources within the ANC claim, apparently issued direct instructions regarding the appointment of the new municipal manager and has played a role in delaying the highly anticipated regional conference, aiming to influence its outcome.

The controversy surrounding the municipal manager appointment came to a head this week when a report on the year-long recruitment process, set to be presented to council, was rescinded at the eleventh hour.

This dramatic turn followed a hastily convened meeting at Luthuli House, the ANC's headquarters, where Mbalula is said to have summoned the party’s Gauteng provincial and Johannesburg regional leadership.

A rescinded report shows former city manager Floyd Brink as the top-ranking candidate with a score of 114, ahead of Msizi Myeza and Tshepo Makola. 

However, ANC Johannesburg deployees reportedly received instructions from Mbalula to withdraw the report. 

The reason given was a failure to "inform and brief" the party’s national officials.

In response to the criticism, Mbalula said those who were being critical or had accusations, should bring them straight to him. 

Beyond the municipal manager saga, Mbalula is also accused of influencing the delay of the ANC's greater Johannesburg regional elective conference.

Regional coordinator Sasabona Manganye confirmed the postponement, saying it was informed by the outstanding queries and disputes which requires finalisation before the conference so that the conference should focus on the agenda of how the party must change and transform the lives of the people of Johannesburg. 

The conference, now scheduled for November 14 to 16, is "pending approval from Mbalula" .

The regional conference itself is expected to be hotly contested with current Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero facing significant challenges for the regional chairperson position. 

Manganye and current regional deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku are pivotal figures in the upcoming contest. 

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said accusations against Mbalula underscore the ongoing tension between party structures and governance processes, particularly in crucial metropolitan areas. 

“These coming weeks are likely to see further political maneuvering as the various factions vie for influence in both the City of Johannesburg and the ANC’s regional leadership. The parties are expected to meet again on Tuesday ahead of the next ordinary council meeting on Thursday, promising more developments in this unfolding political drama,” Molepo said.

Cape Times