SEDIBENG. – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Emfuleni does not support the election of Hassan Mako as Executive Mayor.
This was said by Duncan Mthembu, DA Emfuleni Caucus Leader.
“We cannot back a former Finance MMC who failed in that role. This appointment is not about residents’ interests; it is about ANC internal factional battles. Cllr Mako served as MMC for Finance from 2021until now. During that time the Finance Department declined, the municipality passed unfunded budgets, and service delivery regressed.”
He is a failed Finance MMC.
Mthembu stated that the DA does not support the decision to appoint Mako because, he is a failed Finance MMC, now the Mayor of Emfuleni and that the process to elect him was faulty.
Mako served as MMC for Finance from 2021 until yesterday when he was elected the mayor of the ELM. Before his official election, he was the acting mayor since the ANC fired Sipho Radebe.
“During that time the Finance Department declined, the municipality passed unfunded budgets, and service delivery regressed,” said Mthembu.
A vote for parties like the EFF, New Horizon Movement and Community Solidarity Movement in Emfuleni is a vote for the ANC.
“Cllr Mako was voted in with the support of the EFF, NHM and the Community Solidarity Movement. These parties spend their campaigns defaming the ANC, yet in Council they work with the ANC for their own benefit. The truth is clear: a vote for parties like the EFF, New Horizon Movement and Community Solidarity Movement in Emfuleni is a vote for the ANC.”
Mthebu said that the ANC also showed disregard for the rule of law during the Council Sitting yesterday.
That process was unlawful.
“The election of an Executive Mayor must be conducted by secret ballot as required by Schedule 3 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998. This law protects the integrity of the vote. Instead, the Speaker ignored the Act and forced a vote by show of hands. That process was unlawful. We rejected this illegal procedure and did not participate in the vote. We will not legitimise a process that breaks the law.”
Mthembu ended that with only four months left before the 2021-2026 term ends in November, Cllr Mako will only serve as another figurehead, managing the continued destruction of Emfuleni under the ANC.
“Emfuleni needs a turnaround. That needs time, stability, and a leader with the right skills and experience. Emfuleni residents deserve leadership chosen through proper, transparent, and legal processes. And come the Local Government Elections on the 4th of November, they will get just that when they vote for, the DA.”
His leadership will contribute positively towards strengthening institutional stability.
On the other hand, On Mako’s election, Sedibeng ANC said, ” His election comes with a wealth of organisational and governance experience acquired over many years of dedicated service to both the movement and government. Cde Mako has served in various leadership positions within the ANC and has previously held the responsibility of Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance and Revenue in Emfuleni.”
The ANC Sedibeng said that it is confident that his leadership will contribute positively towards strengthening institutional stability, improving governance, and accelerating service delivery to the residents of Emfuleni.
“We are equally confident that under his stewardship, the municipality will deepen its engagement with communities and respond more effectively to the needs and aspirations of the people. As the ANC, we pledge our full support to the Executive Mayor as he assumes this important responsibility. We call on all councillors, municipal officials, stakeholders and residents to work together in building a functional, responsive and developmental local government that serves the interests of all communities.”
