ANC Ekurhuleni outlines governance reforms and service delivery priorities for residents

The ANC Ekurhuleni held a press briefing on February 20 to provide an update on political, organisational and governance matters affecting residents of the City of Ekurhuleni. This update emanates from the outcomes of the third ordinary meeting of the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC in Ekurhuleni.

The briefing comes at a time when the organisation and the city continue to navigate leadership challenges, governance reforms and the urgent need to restore public confidence in local government.

The REC emphasised that the update forms part of its commitment to transparency, recognising the public’s keen interest in the ANC and the direction of governance in Ekurhuleni.

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Renewed focus on ethical leadership and service delivery

Jongizizwe Dlabathi, regional secretary, said political guidance delivered by the regional chairperson and Executive Mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, emphasised the importance of people-centred governance.

He called on leaders to prioritise ethical conduct, accountability and improved service delivery, particularly in areas where residents have experienced underperformance.

The REC reaffirmed that the ANC’s core mission remains to fix local government, accelerate service delivery and drive local economic development. This includes ensuring consistent provision of basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation and waste collection.

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The committee also acknowledged persistent water supply challenges affecting communities such as Bedfordview, Tsakane, Daveyton and Etwatwa, and called for urgent interventions to resolve these issues.

Governance reforms and accountability measures

A key focus of the meeting was strengthening governance within the City of Ekurhuleni. The REC welcomed recent administrative actions, including the suspension of senior officials in key departments such as information technology, legal, risk management and human resources.

“These suspensions form part of efforts to restore accountability and ensure that governance systems function effectively,” said Dlabathi.

The committee urged affected officials to cooperate fully with disciplinary processes, warning against attempts to delay or undermine consequence management.

The ANC also expressed strong support for Xhakaza, condemning what it described as coordinated attacks aimed at undermining accountability and governance reforms.

“The ANC is firmly behind the mayor and encourages him to remain steadfast in implementing consequence management and ethical leadership,” said Dlabathi.

Strengthening leadership and political stability

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In an effort to improve governance and performance, changes have been made to the Mayoral Committee. Dlabathi described these changes as a decisive step towards strengthening leadership, stabilising council operations and accelerating service delivery.

He said the ANC also supported the inclusion of other political parties in executive leadership roles, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and political stability.

“A stable council is essential for effective governance, and inclusive leadership is necessary to ensure the city delivers on its mandate,”said Dlabathi

Preparing for organisational renewal and future leadership

The REC also discussed preparations for the upcoming ANC Gauteng Provincial Conference, acknowledging the organisation’s recent electoral challenges and the need to rebuild unity and public trust.

Leaders emphasised the importance of consensus-driven leadership rather than factionalism, warning that internal divisions could further weaken the organisation.

The meeting reinforced the ANC’s organisational renewal programme, which includes strengthening branches, improving community engagement and ensuring leadership structures are capable of addressing community concerns.

Commitment to stabilisation and improved governance

Despite ongoing challenges, the ANC insisted that the City of Ekurhuleni is not in crisis but is undergoing a period of stabilisation and renewal.

Dlabathi said the party is embarking on a self-cleansing. As people say, the way the current ANC is operating is not the same.

“People want leaders who are selfless and people-centred, ethical leadership, hence we are uprooting the rot within the party,” said Dlabathi.

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Dlabathi said governance reforms, strengthened leadership structures, and renewed focus on accountability are already contributing to improved administration.

Residents were assured that the city remains functional and that leadership is committed to restoring efficient, ethical and responsive governance.

“The administration is responding to the call for a renewed public service and remains focused on improving the quality of life for all residents,” concluded Dlabathi.

As Ekurhuleni moves forward, the ANC’s leadership renewal, governance reforms, and service delivery commitments will be closely watched by residents eager to see tangible improvements in their communities.