Fills Vacant MMC Posts After EFF and ActionSA Snubs
By Mpho Moloi
Ekurhuleni –
In a bold move to steady the ship amid growing political tensions, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has appointed three new members to his mayoral committee, filling gaps left by the Economic Freedom Fighters and ActionSA who turned down their offered roles.
The latest announcements, made on 25 February 2026, come just days after a major reshuffle that has sparked debates about coalition stability and service delivery in one of Gauteng’s key metros.
Residents are watching closely as these changes could impact everything from housing to community safety in their daily lives.
The Initial Reshuffle: A Push for Change
The drama began on the evening of 17 February when Xhakaza unveiled a sweeping overhaul of his mayoral committee. Aimed at boosting efficiency and addressing what he called underperformance, the reshuffle saw several key positions reassigned.
The African National Congress, as the leading party in the coalition, strengthened its hold with five MMC spots, while smaller partners like the Patriotic Alliance and National Freedom Party each got one.
Among the big shifts, Xhakaza removed EFF councillor Bridget Thusi from her role as MMC for community services and Kgopello Hollo from human settlements.
He also moved EFF’s Thembi Msane from water and sanitation to the Infrastructure and Economic Development Agency. In their place, he offered EFF’s Leshaka Manamela the human settlements portfolio.
For the first time, ActionSA’s Xolani Khumalo was tapped for community services and by-law enforcement, a move seen as an olive branch to bring the party into the fold.
Other notable appointments included ANC’s Lindiwe Mnguni to roads and transport, a department often criticised for potholes and poor infrastructure; National Freedom Party’s Siphumule Ntombela to corporate shared services;
Jean Sthato to metro utilities and trading services; and Nomadlozi Nkosi to metro operations and maintenance.
Xhakaza explained that these changes were the result of careful talks with coalition partners and a need to match representation to electoral strength, similar to setups in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
EFF and ActionSA’s Firm Rejection
The reshuffle quickly hit rough waters. The EFF slammed it as a unilateral decision that undermined their role in the coalition. They pointed out that their representation was cut from four MMCs to two, calling it an attempt to sideline them.
EFF leaders accused Xhakaza of not consulting properly and removing capable councillors without fair warning. In response, they declined the offers for Msane and Manamela, choosing instead to move to the opposition benches.
This marked a complete pullout from the ANC-led arrangement, escalating tensions that had been building since June 2024 when Xhakaza fired EFF Gauteng chair Nkululeko Dunga from the finance MMC post.
ActionSA was equally outspoken. They rejected Khumalo’s appointment, labelling the entire process as illegitimate. Party officials said they could not join what they described as a failing and corrupt administration.
Despite Xhakaza’s efforts to involve them—giving the absent councillors just 12 hours to show up for the swearing-in on 18 February—they stayed away.
Only seven MMCs were sworn in that day, leaving three spots empty and raising questions about the coalition’s future.
Xhakaza stood his ground, insisting the moves were long overdue to fix overrepresentation and boost performance.
He expressed disappointment in ActionSA’s snub, noting he had tailored the community services role to Khumalo’s strengths in tackling issues like illegal land occupations and public safety.
For ordinary residents, this back-and-forth means uncertainty over who will handle critical services like water, housing, and roads in the short term.
Filling the Gaps: New Appointments Announced
Undeterred by the rejections, Xhakaza moved swiftly to fill the vacancies. On 25 February, he announced three new MMCs to complete his team.
Councillor Nkgopotse Nsizwa Mekgwe takes over human settlements, a portfolio vital for addressing housing shortages and informal settlements that affect thousands of families in Ekurhuleni.
Councillor Siyabonga Mathews Moloi steps in as MMC for community services, focusing on everyday needs like waste management, parks, and emergency responses.
Finally, Council Speaker Dora Mlambo has been appointed to economic infrastructure and development, where she will oversee projects aimed at job creation and urban growth.
These picks, all from the ANC, further solidify the party’s influence in the metro. Mekgwe brings experience in community development, promising to speed up housing delivery for low-income areas.
Moloi, known for his grassroots approach, aims to improve by-law enforcement to curb crime and illegal activities. Mlambo’s role is key for economic recovery, with plans to attract investments and fix crumbling infrastructure.
Xhakaza highlighted that these appointments ensure proportional representation and put skilled hands in charge to deliver better services.
Broader Tensions in the Coalition
This shake-up is not happening in a vacuum. Ekurhuleni’s coalition has been shaky since the 2021 local elections, with no single party holding a majority.
The ANC, EFF, and smaller groups like the Patriotic Alliance have shared power, but clashes over portfolios and policies have been common. The EFF’s exit leaves the ANC relying more on minor partners, potentially making the government vulnerable to motions of no confidence.
Some councillors have already hinted at such a move, though one was withdrawn at the last minute.
Xhakaza has defended his actions as a “self-correction” to make the administration more effective.
He argues that the EFF’s previous dominance did not match their voter support and led to issues like lawlessness in land use. For ActionSA, the refusal stems from deeper distrust, with leader Herman Mashaba publicly ditching any invitation to join.
Analysts say this could lead to more instability, but it might also allow Xhakaza to push through reforms without constant pushback.
Impact on Residents and Service Delivery
At the heart of this political storm are the people of Ekurhuleni, a bustling metro of over three million residents facing real challenges.
Water shortages, unreliable electricity, and poor roads have sparked protests in areas like Germiston and Boksburg. The new MMCs will need to hit the ground running to fix these.
For instance, the roads and transport role under Mnguni is crucial for easing traffic and repairing potholes that damage cars and slow down commutes.
Housing remains a hot issue, with many living in informal settlements without basic services.
Mekgwe’s appointment could bring fresh ideas to speed up formal housing projects. Community services under Moloi will tackle crime and by-laws, making neighbourhoods safer.
Economic development led by Mlambo aims to create jobs in a region hit hard by unemployment. If these changes work, residents could see quicker improvements; if not, the coalition’s fragility might lead to more disruptions.
Looking Forward: Stability or More Drama?
As Ekurhuleni navigates this shake-up, the focus shifts to whether Xhakaza’s revamped team can deliver. With the EFF now in opposition, they could ramp up scrutiny and push for accountability.
ActionSA’s stance keeps them on the sidelines, potentially positioning them for future elections. Xhakaza has hinted at possible talks with other parties like the Democratic Alliance to shore up support.
For now, the mayor is marching ahead, emphasising service over politics. Residents hope this means cleaner streets, better housing, and a metro that works for everyone.
As debates continue in council chambers, the real test will be on the ground, where everyday South Africans need leaders who put people first.
This episode highlights the challenges of coalition governments, but it also offers a chance for renewal in one of the country’s economic hubs.
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