ANC in Ekurhuleni leaves the door open for ActionSA

The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni has left the door open for ActionSA to join its coalition government, with Xolani Khumalo being flouted as a potential deputy mayor.

However, relations between the two parties are strained following the decision by Ekurhuleni Mayor Doctor Xhakaza to announce Khumalo as an MMC without concurrence from AcionSA.

The ANC currently leads a minority government in the metro following the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)'s withdrawal from the coalition.

ActionSA recently submitted a motion to Ekurhuleni’s programming committee for the establishment of a deputy mayor.

EWN understands ActionSA later withdrew the motion following the breakdown of talks with the ANC.

ActionSA insiders have told EWN that the party was eyeing Khumalo for the deputy mayor position.

EWN understands what made the position attractive for ActionSA because deputy mayors, unlike MMCs, are elected by council and can only be removed through a motion of no confidence.

This would’ve protected the party’s interests in the event Xhakaza decided to reshuffle his mayoral committee.

Since his mayoral election about two years ago, Xhakaza has reshuffled his MMCs twice, much to the frustration of his coalition partners.

ActionSA's national chairperson, Micheal Beaumont, has denied that the party is negotiating with the ANC, adding its motion for the establishment of a deputy mayor was for future coalition agreements.

“ActionSA has not negotiated with the ANC to join this coalition and, therefore, we can't still be negotiating with them or addressing requirements of a deputy mayor,” said Beaumont.

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Despite not being part of the coalition government, ActionSA submitted a motion to have a deputy mayor established in the metro.

"ActionsSA has supported the establishment of deputy mayor positions in all metros in Gauteng. We support this principle to deepen power sharing arrangements in the era of coalitions. This principle extends beyond any particular coalition that may be governing now, to those that may emerge in the future,” said Beaumont.

Out of the Gauteng’s three metro municipalities, Ekurhuleni is the only one without a deputy mayor.

In both Tshwane and Johannesburg, the deputy mayor positions have been established as a result of political compromises and maneuverings.

In 2023, ActionSA brokered a deal with its coalition partners at the time, the DA, to establish a deputy mayor position in Tshwane.

The following year, Nasiphi Moya, ActionSA's councillor, was elected as the deputy mayor.

Earlier this year, Johannesburg's council passed a motion to establish a deputy mayor position.

While no one has been elected to the position, the ANC’s newly elected Johannesburg chairperson, Loyiso Masuku, is expected to occupy it where she will be serving under the man who beat her at the party’s regional conference, Dada Morero.