IN the wake of eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement’s (ERPM) transition to become a political contender in the LGE 2026, some of its affiliates have ditched the movement, citing conflict of interest.

ERPM announced in May of its move to officially participate in the 2026 Local Government Elections. The movement stated that after years of persistent civic engagement were met with closed doors, they announced their transition.

The movement’s Asad Gaffar said in May, “We enter this election space with a clear and non-negotiable mandate, service delivery excellence for every person who lives in this metro, without exception. Not for the wealthy ratepayer only. Not for any single race, ideology, or suburb. For everyone.”

Also read: Ratepayers movement certified to contest LGE 2026

North Beach Ratepayers Association (NBRA) recently announced, “We are no longer affiliated with the ERPM, following its move into party politics, and its pursuit of political office. NBRA is, and will remain an independent and apolitical organisation. Ratepayers cannot be both referee and player.”

The association said it was in discussions with other former ERPM affiliates to form a stronger, independent civic collective.
The Asherville Ratepayers’ Association (ARP) echoed NBRA’s sentiments, saying, “Our position is clear. Civic and political structures must be distinctly identified and separated. Our representatives opposed this continued overlap as a matter of principle. A civic watchdog must remain independent of political interests it scrutinises.”

Also read: LGE 2026: Carl Lortan to run for Ward 31 councillor seat

In response ERPM said, “The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) confirms that the Executive Committee has formally welcomed and accepted the termination of affiliation by the Asherville Ratepayers (ARP). The separation is unequivocal and brings to a close a relationship that, while historically valuable, has become increasingly incompatible in matters of organisational governance, leadership and accountability.

“We thank ARP for its historical contribution and wish the organisation well in its independent future. We also make it clear that ERPM does not seek an ongoing public dispute with ARP.”

Like NRBA, the ARP reported that it has begun engaging ratepayer associations, businesses, and other stakeholders, to rebuild an independent collective.

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