VANDERBIJLPARK – The ANC in Sedibeng has hinted that major changes are coming to local government as public anger grows over collapsing services and dirty streets.

Following a three-day strategy meeting (lekgotla) held at the Riverside Sun, regional leaders admitted that the current state of the district is unacceptable.

The party is now planning to reconfigure municipal structures in both the Emfuleni Local Municipality and the Sedibeng District Municipality.

Regional Chairperson Mlungisi Hlongwane led the briefing on February 1, flanked by Deputy Chairperson Sibongile Soxuza, Secretary Jason Mkhwane, Deputy Secretary Fatima Mamoloi, and Treasurer Hassan Mako.

“When we look at the state of our municipalities, we cannot claim to be happy with what we see. During December, residents across Sedibeng were exposed to filthy cities and townships. That alone shows that our waste collection system had almost collapsed,” he said.

He further insisted that the ANC, which is the leading party in these councils, cannot stand by while communities suffer.

While the party was tight-lipped on exactly who might be moved or removed, Hlongwane confirmed that they have already made strong recommendations to provincial leadership regarding a reorganisation.

“The planned reshuffling will strengthen governance and turn municipalities into effective instruments of service delivery. We will come back jointly with the provincial leadership of the ANC to give you specifics,” Hlongwane concluded.