ANC expels three Ekurhuleni councillors ahead of local elections

The ANC in Ekurhuleni has expelled three ward councillors over alleged electoral misconduct, with the party terminating their membership ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

Thato Mashiane, Thembinkosi Lubisi and Sibusiso Dlamini were found to have supported political organisations contesting elections against the ANC, including campaigning for or acting as agents for groups opposing the party’s officially endorsed candidates.

The expulsions follow disciplinary and organisational processes conducted by the ANC’s regional structures, according to acting regional secretary Moipone Mhlongo.

ANC cites alleged breaches of party rules

In a statement, Mhlongo said the Regional Working Committee (RWC) considered organisational reports, disciplinary findings and representations before making its decisions.

Formal notices of expulsion and termination of membership were issued on October 9, following notices to show cause sent to the affected members on October 2.

The party said a special RWC report dated October 7 identified conduct it considered serious violations of the ANC Constitution, particularly Rule 25.

The alleged breaches included supporting or joining political organisations contesting elections against the ANC, campaigning for opposition candidates and failing to follow official party policies and directives.

Mhlongo said the decisions reflected the party’s position that members must comply with its constitution, organisational discipline and adopted resolutions.

Acting councillors named for three wards

The ANC has announced interim arrangements for Wards 2, 71 and 52 while the relevant administrative processes are undertaken.

The party has designated Councillor Thabang Jiyane as acting councillor for Ward 2, while ANC chief whip Alderman Pelisa Nkunjana will act in Ward 71.

Councillor Lumka Poki has been identified to serve as acting councillor for Ward 52.

According to Mhlongo, the arrangements are intended to maintain municipal oversight, constituency representation and service delivery, subject to the relevant legal and administrative requirements.

Ward 79 councillor directed to step aside

The party has also instructed Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani to voluntarily step aside from his position with immediate effect.

Mbonani has been asked to confirm his acceptance of the directive in writing within 48 hours of receiving the official notice and to cooperate with the handover process.

Alderman Dorah Mlambo has been identified to act as the ward councillor, pending the necessary legal and administrative arrangements.

The ANC said it would engage with the relevant municipal authorities to facilitate the process and ensure continuity in governance and service delivery.

ANC approaches IEC and municipality

Mhlongo confirmed that the Ekurhuleni region had written to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, requesting that vacancies arising from the organisational decisions be formally declared.

The developments come as political parties prepare for the November 4 local government elections, with the ANC emphasising the importance of party discipline and compliance with its internal rules.

The implementation of the changes remains subject to the applicable law and municipal governance procedures.

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Source: IOL