SEDIBENG. – The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (Mayibuye) has said that it welcomes any process aimed at establishing the truth and ensuring full transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles.

This is with regards to Sedibeng Ster’s reports that the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has referred allegations of vote manipulation within the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, for investigation.

According to VF+ councillor, Gerda Senekal, who lodged a case against the ELM Speaker, Sibongile Soxusa, 83 councillors were present at the meeting.

Senekal said that the party’s records show that 42 councillors voted in favour of the budget, 40 voted against it, and one abstained.

The results were either miscounted or deliberately manipulated.

“The Speaker, Sibongile Soxusa, however, announced that 46 councillors had voted in favour and 37 against the adjustment budget. Since a simple majority of 46 votes was required, this announcement allowed the budget to be adopted. As soon as the meeting was concluded, the VF+ stated that the result was either miscounted or deliberately manipulated and that the adoption of the budget is, consequently, unlawful.”

We have absolutely no confidence that the current leadership and governing structures of Emfuleni will ever turn the municipality around.

Mayibuye, through its National Organiser, Patrick Sindane said,

“The people of Emfuleni deserve clarity regarding what transpired during the adjustment budget vote and whether the will of elected councillors was accurately reflected. However, our call for accountability is not intended to assist the failed leadership of Emfuleni in getting its house in order. We have absolutely no confidence that the current leadership and governing structures of Emfuleni will ever turn the municipality around.”

Sindane said that, for years, residents have endured:

* Persistent water shortages and unreliable water supply.

* Sewer spillages that continue to threaten public health and the environment.

* Poor road infrastructure, including potholes and deteriorating streets.

* Electricity interruptions and inadequate maintenance of municipal infrastructure.

* Financial mismanagement and recurring concerns regarding corruption and maladministration.

* High unemployment levels and a lack of meaningful economic development.

* Declining municipal services despite residents paying rates and taxes.

The so called “New” incoming mayor is not so “New” he is part of the collective failure.

“The crisis in Emfuleni is not a recent development. It is the result of years of poor governance, lack of accountability, cadre deployment, wasteful expenditure, and leadership failures. The so called “New” incoming mayor is not so “New” he is part of the collective failure and will unfortunately do nothing, it’s a mess.”

Sindane said that the solution requires more than investigations, and that it requires:

-Full transparency in all council processes and voting procedures.

-Consequence management for officials and politicians implicated in wrongdoing.

-Independent oversight of municipal finances and procurement processes.

-Professionalisation of the administration based on merit and competence.

-Infrastructure maintenance and service delivery becoming the municipality’s primary priority.

-Greater public participation and community oversight over municipal affairs.