News24 | ANC Ekurhuleni expels 3 councillors for backing competition, orders another to step aside

The ANC in Ekurhuleni has expelled three councillors ahead of the local government elections for violating the party’s constitution.

Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

• The ANC in Ekurhuleni has expelled three councillors with immediate effect for violating Rule 25 of the party’s constitution.
• They were found to have joined or supported organisations contesting the 4 November elections against the ANC.
• Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani was directed to step aside within 48 hours, with Dorah Mlambo designated to act in his place.
• For more political news, follow News24 Politics.

The ANC in Ekurhuleni has expelled three councillors and directed a fourth to step aside as the party tightens organisational discipline ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Thato Mashiane, Thembinkosi Lubisi and Sibusiso Dlamini had their ANC membership terminated with immediate effect after the regional working committee (RWC) upheld findings of serious violations of the party’s constitution, particularly Rule 25.

Formal notices of expulsion were issued by the acting regional secretary, Moipone Mhlongo, on 9 October.

According to a statement issued on Monday, a special RWC report on the recall of ANC councillors, dated 7 October, found that the three councillors had supported or joined political organisations contesting elections against the ANC, campaigned for or acted as agents of entities opposing endorsed ANC candidates, and failed to comply with organisational policies, directives and duties.

Mhlongo said the ANC regarded adherence to its constitution, organisational discipline and respect for duly adopted resolutions as fundamental obligations of membership.

“The decisions reflect the organisation’s commitment to ensuring accountability and compliance with its rules and procedures,” the statement read.

READ | ANC expels seven members for contesting elections for other parties

To maintain continuity in municipal governance, Mhlongo said, the region had designated acting councillors for three wards: Thabang Jiyane in Ward 2, Pelisa Nkunjana, the ANC chief whip, in Ward 71, and Lumka Poki in Ward 52.

The ANC in Ekurhuleni has been wracked by a protracted power struggle between the regional chairperson, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, and former regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi.

Tensions erupted in February when Dlabathi resigned over Xhakaza’s unilateral reshuffle of the mayoral committee, which reduced EFF representation and prompted the party’s withdrawal from the coalition.

Luthuli House ordered Dlabathi to return to the position, but Xhakaza tried to remove him as finance mayoral committee member in August – a move that was blocked by the province.

Dlabathi topped mayoral nominations while Xhakaza ranked third in the councillor candidates list. Dlabathi ultimately quit as regional secretary in September, deepening fractures ahead of the 4 November elections.

READ | ANC Gauteng intervenes as Ekurhuleni mayor fires finance MMC amid leadership battle

In a matter separate from the axing of the three party councillors, the RWC directed Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani to step aside from his position with immediate effect.

He has been given 48 hours from when he received the official notice to confirm his acceptance in writing and to cooperate with handover arrangements. It is unclear why Mbonani was directed by the party to step aside.

Councillor Dorah Mlambo has been chosen to act as the Ward 79 councillor.

[Media Statement]

ANC EKURHULENI EXPELS THREE MEMBERS, ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY STEP-ASIDE AND INTERIM COUNCILLOR ARRANGEMENTS pic.twitter.com/IzVMPAzlsx

— ANC EKURHULENI REGION OFFICIAL (@ANC_EKU_OFFICIA) October 12, 2026

According to the statement, the ANC’s Ekurhuleni region has formally written to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and the municipality, requesting that the vacancies arising from the expulsions and the step-aside directive be formally declared.

The party said it would engage municipal authorities to facilitate the necessary arrangements and safeguard service delivery.

With the elections now only three weeks away, the ANC in Ekurhuleni said the party remained focused on “strengthening its structures, upholding accountability and ensuring that municipal governance and service delivery remain central to its work among the people of Ekurhuleni”.