ANC navigates a precarious minority rule in Ekurhuleni

The Afrincan National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni has found itself in a tight corner, now officially leading a minority coalition government in the metro.

Mayor Doctor Xhakaza announced changes to his Cabinet on Wednesday night, appointing three ANC councillors to the executive.

This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA refused to join the ANC-led coalition in the city, citing disagreements over the composition of key executive positions.

The mayor had previously appointed an ActionSA councillor to his Cabinet and reduced the EFF's number of MMCs to two, a move both parties rejected.

The multi-party coalition between the ANC and EFF in the City of Ekurhuleni has officially collapsed, leaving the ANC to govern alongside smaller political parties.

ALSO READ:

EFF details reasons why it left ANC-led coalition in Ekurhuleni

EFF to remain in coalition with ANC at other municipalities despite Ekurhuleni fallout

ActionSA says Xolani Khumalo won’t be joining Ekurhuleni mayoral committee

The previous executive comprised the ANC, the EFF, and other minority parties represented in council.

However, following last week’s controversial Cabinet reshuffle, which saw ActionSA and the EFF refuse to continue participating in the coalition, the ANC is now governing with the Patriotic Alliance and the National Freedom Party (NFP).

As a result, the ANC no longer holds the 50% plus one majority in council, with opposition parties now outnumbering the governing coalition.

With the city’s budget speech on the horizon, the ANC currently lacks the numbers required to pass the budget

It may also struggle to defend its mayor, should a motion of no confidence be tabled.