By Thebe Mabanga
The ANC’s Regional Executive Committee (REC) in Ekurhuleni has nominated Jongizizwe Dlabathi, the MMC for finance and strategy and regional secretary, as its mayoral candidate, Inside Metros can reveal.
Dlabathi was selected at an REC meeting held last week, securing 20 votes, ahead of regional chair and incumbent mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, who received 13 votes.
Other nominees included Nomadlozi Nkosi, MMC for metro operations, who received 14 votes, and councillor Pelisa Nkunjana, who previously served as council chief whip.
Xhakaza is understood to be resisting the move, while it remains unclear whether the nomination has been formally communicated to the ANC’s provincial or national leadership.
Xhakaza declined to comment and referred enquiries to Dlabathi, who did not respond. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu also did not respond to requests for comment.
The nomination places the Ekurhuleni REC at odds with the ANC national leadership.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has previously said regional secretaries should be deployed full-time to regional offices and not hold public office, raising questions about Dlabathi’s dual role.
Xhakaza and Dlabathi are understood to have a strained relationship, following recent changes in the mayoral committee, including the removal of EFF councillor Bonga Duma, who has since been appointed MEC for finance in Gauteng.
Dlabathi is said to have attempted to resign from his mayoral committee position but was reportedly blocked by the REC.
Xhakaza is also pursuing action linked to findings of the Madlanga Commission, further widening tensions within the regional leadership.
The ANC currently governs City of Ekurhuleni through a coalition with several parties.
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