ANC axe falls on Emfuleni mayor

THE ANC in Gauteng has forged ahead with plans to remove Sipho Radebe as mayor of Emfuleni Local Municipality despite his latest attempt to secure the intervention of party secretary general Fikile Mbalula.

Radebe wrote to Mbalula outlining his achievements and requesting intervention following instructions for him to step down.

ANC Gauteng coordinator Hope Papo said decisions on deploying members to positions are handled by regional and provincial officials, warning against attempts to cling to power.

“They are not discussed by the REC, RWC, PTT, or the Working Committee. Deployment matters are matters for officials. Generally, there's no discussion when people are deployed. When people are asked to step down, why should there be an issue?” he said.

Papo cited his own experience of complying with party decisions, saying he was instructed to step down as Gauteng health MEC for the 2014 to 2019 term to allow for greater gender representation in the executive.

He called on Radebe to respect the decisions of the regional executive committee and step down.

“It’s incorrect for anybody not to have a discussion when they are deployed. When they are asked to be redeployed, it must be a public issue. When people are employed, there’s no letter which is sent to anybody. People just thank the organisation for their appointments,” he said.

In his effort to retain his position, Radebe wrote to Mbalula stating that Sedibeng regional leaders summoned him and asked for his resignation, citing the municipality’s ongoing financial strain and service delivery failures.

Radebe disputes this characterisation, arguing it ignores the severity of the crisis he inherited when he took office in 2021. He suggested the move could be driven by internal party dynamics rather than an objective assessment of his performance, particularly after recent regional political developments.

“I respectfully submit that this characterisation is neither politically fair nor factually accurate, particularly when properly contextualised against the condition of the municipality at the time I assumed office in 2021. At that point, Emfuleni was facing a far more devastating financial, infrastructure, and service delivery crisis than is the case today,” he said.

Radebe also criticised regional party leadership, saying they have long been embedded in the municipality and should share responsibility for governance outcomes.

He listed several figures holding roles within the institution, including regional chairperson Mlungisi Hlongwane, regional secretary Jason Mkhwane, deputy regional chairperson Sibongile Soxuza and regional treasurer Hassan Mako, among others.

“These comrades have been part of both the political and administrative leadership and are aware of the scale and historical origins of Emfuleni’s challenges. To suggest that my removal alone will stabilise the municipality within seven to nine months is inconsistent with the principle of collective leadership and responsibility,” he said.

Papo said Radebe’s letter would be considered but criticised his response, adding that stepping down does not mean losing employment.

Radebe is expected to vacate his position in the coming days. The ANC is currently holding its Lekgotla, where engagements on the sidelines are expected to take place with him before a final decision is confirmed.

Regional spokesperson Mphikeleli Sibeko said the party is clear on the way forward and expects Radebe to follow procedures.

“We expect him to tender his resignation,” he said.

Cape Times