The Ekurhuleni metropolitan could possibly be left without an executive mayor amidst ANC and EFF brawl. Sivuyile Ngodwana, the executive mayor in office, is currently debating on whether to step down or not. This was the most recent event to occur in the metro during a regular council meeting that was meant to discuss a motion of no confidence against incumbent Ngodwana, sponsored by ActionSA.
“The ANC and EFF need to sit down and review their coalition agreement. They should ask themselves if the coalition arrangement is really working and make a decision.. If they can’t make a decision, I will make a decision,” said executive mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana. Ngodwana, who is an AIC party member, made the comments because he believed that tensions between the ANC and EFF were affecting important service delivery operations. Council members also expressed concern about potential liquidity concerns that could result in the municipality losing its audit status.
The DA, which sits in the opposition benches, is requesting the dissolution of council because the situation has gotten so bad that they feel the municipality is incapable of carrying out its executive duties under the Constitution. The EFF requested a 30-minute caucus break during the discussion of an amendment, but they stayed in the chambers until the motion could be discussed. After that, the meeting turned chaotic, with EFF councillors hurling water bottles, heckling, and most ANC and EFF members getting into fist fights.
“What happened is something I am not proud of, I am disappointed and embarrassed,” reflected Ngodwana on the council meeting’s proceedings. ANC Gauteng Secretary TK Nciza also expressed shock at the EFF’s chaos. Despite the fact that the ANC played a key role in Ngodwana’s election to the top post, Nciza stated that the party would back the motion against him because of his faults. Nciza expressed his support for the motion while also acknowledging that it would put more strain on the duo’s relationship.
