ANC Ekurhuleni’s REC nominates Dlabathi for mayor, deepening rift with Xhakaza camp

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