SEDIBENG.- The Pan African National Congress (PAC) in Sedibeng has called for the removal of Emfuleni Local Municipality Speaker, Sibongile Soxuza.

This follows what the party said was a grave concern following, “The shocking developments that unfolded during the recent Emfuleni (Mid-term Budget Adjustment) Council Sitting, particularly in relation to the voting process on the budget.”

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, PAC Secretary General, Apa Pooe, said that it has now emerged, including from opposition accounts in Council, that yesterday out of 90 councillors, 83 were present, and the actual vote reflected:

– 40 councillors voting against the budget,

– 42 councillors voting in favour, and

– 1 abstention.

The PAC was absent from the proceedings.

“However, the Speaker proceeded to announce materially incorrect results, claiming that 46 councillors voted in favour and 37 against — a blatant misrepresentation of the outcome of Council. Even more concerning is that immediately after announcing these incorrect results, the Speaker rushed to close the meeting and deliberately blocked councillors from raising objections, effectively suppressing democratic oversight and due process.”

Pooe said that the PAC is unequivocal, “The ANC in Emfuleni has completely lost direction. What is unfolding is a dangerous conflation of party-political expediency with governance, reducing Council into a tool for factional survival rather than a lawful decision-making body. This conduct has brought the municipality into serious disrepute and undermines the integrity of local government.”

He called for the removal of Soquza, “All officials involved in the counting and recording of votes be held personally accountable; Immediate disciplinary proceedings be instituted against each individual involved; These officials (must) be required to account under oath and disclose the actual vote count report submitted to the Speaker.”

Pooe said that should it be established that the Speaker misled Council, the PAC will pursue decisive action that includes:

“ (We want the) Immediate removal as Speaker, and removal as a Councillor in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. No person who undermines the democratic will of Council can be allowed to remain in office. This is not a procedural irregularity — it is a serious governance crisis.”

Pooe concluded by saying, “Emfuleni cannot be governed through deception and procedural abuse. Residents deserve a municipality grounded in truth, accountability, and lawful governance — not political survival tactics.”

Meanwhile, ELM Spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni said the sitting concluded with the adoption of the Midterm Budget Adjustment with a majority decision by Councillors.

“The decision is expected to strengthen financial accountability and sustainability for the remainder of the financial year as it highlights the need to align the budget with actual revenue collections, revised expenditure priorities, and emerging service delivery requirements,” Sangweni said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) have opened cases of fraud against the ELM speaker, alleging manipulation of the votes by Soxuza.

“The adoption of this adjustment budget demonstrates our collective resolve to prioritise the needs of our communities,” said Soxuza.