Johannesburg, South Africa – MAJOR metropolitan areas are experiencing a significant political shift as the ANC prepares to distance itself from its former coalition partners, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
This strategic move, prompted by the ANC’s recent realignments at both national and provincial levels, is causing widespread concern regarding governance and stability in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and eThekwini.
The ANC’s decision to collaborate with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and several smaller parties in a government of national unity has reshaped the political landscape.
Previously reliant on EFF support, the ANC’s new alliances have led to the EFF losing its influential positions in the mayoral committees (MMCs) of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and eThekwini.
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Tensions between the ANC and EFF became evident in Ekurhuleni when Mayor Nkosindipile Xhakaza, influenced by ANC regional leaders, dismissed the city’s finance MMC, Nkululeko Dunga, who also serves as the EFF Gauteng chairperson.
Dunga was replaced by the ANC’s Jongizizwe Dlabathi, a known critic of the ANC-EFF coalition.
Dunga expressed frustration over the disconnect between the ANC’s provincial and regional leadership, noting incidents where regional leaders dismissed agreements made with provincial leaders.
Despite this, the EFF remains optimistic that their close ties with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will prevent a full exclusion from city-level governance. Dunga argued that the EFF’s collaboration with the ANC has contributed to government stability, contrasting with the disruptive intentions attributed to the ANC’s regional leaders.
In Johannesburg, tensions peaked when the EFF opposed a R2.5 billion loan from the Agence Francaise de Développement, marking the third rejection of the loan meant for capital projects. An ANC leader confirmed the party’s plan to remove EFF members from the MMCs due to their inconsistent voting record.
This decision might face opposition from Gauteng’s ANC, as Lesufi has previously supported the EFF. Nonetheless, ANC’s national leadership, led by Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, has declared that a coalition with the EFF is no longer viable.
An ANC source highlighted ongoing frustrations with the EFF, noting repeated instances where the EFF failed to support the ANC in council votes despite prior agreements.
The ANC’s move to sever ties with the EFF is a risky strategy that could increase the party’s control over metros but might also lead to instability and gridlock. The EFF is expected to leverage its influence in provincial government to safeguard its interests.
This political upheaval in South Africa’s metros reflects a broader realignment within the country.
The ANC’s formation of a unity government with the DA and IFP signals a shift in strategy aimed at consolidating power at the national level while maintaining control over key municipalities amid declining electoral support.