Dlabathi falls in wake of EFF exit

ANC heavyweightJongizizwe Dlabathithis week became the most senior casualty of the Economic Freedom Fighters’ withdrawal from the coalition government in Ekurhuleni and its rejection of renewed partnership overtures. As he headed to the exit door, Dlabathi slammed factionalism within the ANC, telling theMail & Guardianit threatened its stability. In his resignation letter to executive mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, he said his last day would be Friday, 27 February.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. It follows deep reflection and careful consideration. I believe stepping aside at this time is in the best interests of the organisation and will support its continued stability and focus,” he wrote.

Dlabathi cited issues with Xhakaza, who is also the ANC regional chair and has allegedly been making major council decisions without consulting regional leaders. His resignation came hours after Xhakaza replaced mayoral executive positions held by the EFF and ActionSA with ANC councillors. Sources say Dlabathi had long complained about Xhakaza taking critical decisions unilaterally.

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“This letter serves to communicate my unfortunate but deeply considered resignation as both the ANC regional secretary of Ekurhuleni and MMC for Finance. This deeply considered resignation is in the best interest of the African National Congress in the region and its smooth functioning,” he wrote. He said the trigger was Wednesday night’s reshuffle, which filled three MMC positions — two rejected by the EFF and one by ActionSA — with ANC councillors.

Xhakaza appointed Nkgopotse Nsizwa Mekgwe (human settlements), Siyabonga Mathews Moloi (community services) and council speaker Dora Mlambo (infrastructure and development). Last week Xhakaza sought to reduce the EFF’s five executive positions to two, a move the party rejected. Previous reshuffles, including the 2024 removal of EFF provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga as finance MMC, had diminished the party’s influence.

“The coalition collapsed and there were attempts to re-engage because Xhakaza has a god-like complex and doesn’t want to be told anything. He feels untouchable and it’s his proximity to national (leaders) that makes him feel like this. We stand no chance in council now because the EFF made it clear they were not coming back,” an ANC regional senior said.

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