By Thebe Mabanga
The ANC in Ekurhuleni has been rocked by the resignation of regional secretary and member of the mayoral committee Jongizizwe Dlabathi, effective Friday.
In a letter addressed to regional office bearers and copied to the regional executive committee and provincial leadership, Dlabathi said he was stepping down in the best interests of the party in the region and “its functioning”.
“I am humbled by the privilege and opportunity granted to serve, to dispose of my skills and professional expertise in the course of organisational work, transformation, service delivery, development, as well as ethical and good governance,” he wrote.
His resignation comes amid speculation that he was unhappy with the leadership of regional chairperson and Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
This week, Xhakaza appointed ANC councillors to positions previously held by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) without consulting regional leadership structures.
According to sources, this was the final straw for Dlabathi, who is said to have been frustrated by what he viewed as unilateral decision-making in the municipality without proper consultation with the regional collective.
Insiders point to a long-strained relationship between Dlabathi and Xhakaza, dating back to the administration of former mayor Mzwandile Masina.
Dlabathi was aligned to Masina and his predecessor as regional secretary, TK Nciza.
The two leaders are understood to have differed on several key issues, including the appointment of former CFO Kagiso Lerutla as city manager to succeed Dr Imogen Mashazi, who retired in August last year.
Dlabathi reportedly favoured a different candidate.
His resignation is also linked to Xhakaza’s recent mayoral committee reshuffle, particularly the appointment of Nsizwa Mekgwe as MMC for Human Settlements.
Dlabathi is said to have had a tumultuous relationship with Mekgwe, the son of former Ekurhuleni mayor and Gauteng Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe.
Dlabathi’s resignation letter for both positions was addressed to provincial structures. It remains unclear whether he has also resigned as a PR councillor.
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