Xhakaza’s plan to axe Dlabathi as Ekurhuleni finance MMC blocked

The ANC in Gauteng has halted the Ekurhuleni mayor’s plans to remove his comrade and finance MMC Jongizizwe Dlabathi from his position.

Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza had intended to remove Dlabathi from the mayoral committee, citing the need to strengthen the ANC’s capacity.

The letter about the imminent removal started circulating on Tuesday evening, and its legitimacy has since been confirmed by Xhakaza’s spokesperson Ramatolo Tlotleng on Wednesday.

The letter stated Nomadlozi Nkosi, the incumbent MMC for metro operations and maintenance, would take over from Dlabathi.

He said the official announcement was scheduled for Wednesday noon.

But before the announcement, Sochayile Khanyile, the provincial co-ordinator, wrote a letter on Wednesday to the ANC regional structure stating that the changes were premature and should not be considered.

“You are reminded that decisions on the need to make changes to the mayoral committee cannot be taken without the approval of the provincial officials through a presentation by the Regional Office Bearers [ROB]. The ROBs are instructed to deliberate on the contents of the letter by the executive mayor and the matters which were raised by yourselves at the virtual meeting we held last night. Until then, the provincial officials believe the intention to make changes to the mayoral committee is premature and cannot be considered.”

Dlabathi told Sowetan on Wednesday morning that the mayor’s letter must be disregarded.

“It was a unilateral decision by the EM [executive mayor] and has since been stopped.”