By Johnathan Paoli
The ANC in Ekurhuleni has elected its new top leadership at the region’s 8th Regional Conference, closing a turbulent chapter that saw nearly three years under a regional task team (RTT).
The announcement marks the end of a protracted period of internal conflict and legal battles that plagued one of Gauteng’s most hotly contested regions.
Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza emerged victorious as chairperson, defeating former treasurer Sello Sekhokho, who faced allegations tied to irregularities in the Tembisa Hospital tender.
Xhakaza’s election completes the region’s new leadership slate, which includes Deputy Chair Jean Sethato, Secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi (elected uncontested), Deputy Secretary Moipone Mhlongo, and Treasurer Irvin Mohlala.
The three-day ANC Ekurhuleni conference unfolded amid a tense legal backdrop after six party members sought an urgent interdict to halt the gathering.
They argued the regional task team lacked legitimacy to convene, rendering all decisions since 10 June—including branch meetings and conference preparations—invalid.
However, the Johannesburg High Court dismissed the application on Friday, ruling the matter was not urgent and ordering the applicants to pay costs.
This cleared the way for the elective process to continue.
More than 90 branches took part under the theme, “Advancing Organisational Renewal, Unity, and People-Centred Service Delivery through Good and Ethical Governance.”
Delegates adopted political reports and verified credentials on the opening day, setting the stage for a fiercely contested vote conducted under heightened security and procedural oversight.
Gauteng Premier and ANC provincial convenor Panyaza Lesufi addressed the conference, affirming the national leadership’s endorsement.
“According to guidelines adopted by the NEC, this gathering is legitimate and has the consent of the ANC secretary-general,” Lesufi said, referencing a letter from ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.
NEC member and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni also delivered the NEC’s input, urging delegates to prioritise unity, renewal, and programme-based service delivery that connects policy directly to community needs.
The conference aimed to close a fractious chapter that began with the region’s 2022 elective conference, which was marred by violent clashes and procedural disputes.
That election was later nullified by the Gauteng High Court, requiring a rerun.
Controversies lingered as votes from at least 12 branches were quarantined in previous contests, feeding factional tensions and distrust.
Dlabathi, elected regional secretary uncontested, welcomed the court’s judgment and called on members to embrace unity and discipline.
“We believe the conference complies with the constitution and NEC guidelines. Our focus is organisational renewal and serving communities,” he said.
The conference concluded with calls for renewal and unity behind the newly elected leadership.
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