ANC Ekurhuleni: Door still open for ActionSA coalition

The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni said the door was still open for ActionSA to join its governing coalition in the metro, despite Herman Mashaba’s party having recently rejected the offer.

The ANC currently leads a minority government in Ekurhuleni following the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)'s decision to pull out of the coalition.

A minority government makes it difficult for the ANC to pass its legislative agenda in council, and also makes it susceptible to being removed through a motion of no-confidence.

On Tuesday, Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza reshuffled his cabinet, adding ActionSA councillor Xolani Khumalo as the new MMC for by-law enforcement.

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However, ActionSA quickly made an announcement that its councillor would not be joining what it called a "corrupt and failing government".

At a media briefing on Friday, ANC regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi claimed ActionSA was threatened by the EFF to reject the offer at the last minute.

Dlabathi said the EFF threatened to remove ActionSA’s Nasiphi Moya as the mayor of Tshwane.

“There is no one who will remove the executive mayor of Tshwane without the ANC. Mr Mashaba got easily scared and succumbed to the threat.”

Dlabathi said a deal could still be made with ActionSA.

“We view ActionSA as a party that can still play a role in cementing stability and we wish to say our doors continue to remain open.”

Leaders of both ActionSA and the EFF have rejected claims by the ANC.