ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is facing accusations of political interference in the City of Johannesburg’s administrative affairs and the internal processes of the party’s greater Johannesburg regional elective conference. 

Sources within the ANC claim Mbalula has issued direct instructions regarding the appointment of the new municipal manager and has played a role in delaying the highly anticipated regional conference, aiming to influence its outcome.

The controversy surrounding the municipal manager appointment came to a head this week when a report on the year-long recruitment process, set to be presented to council, was rescinded at the eleventh hour.

This dramatic turn followed a hastily convened meeting at Luthuli House, the ANC’s headquarters, where Mbalula reportedly summoned the party’s Gauteng provincial and Johannesburg regional leadership.

A rescinded report shows former city manager Floyd Brink as the top-ranking candidate with a score of 114, ahead of Msizi Myeza and Tshepo Makola. 

However, ANC Johannesburg deployees reportedly received instructions from Mbalula to withdraw the report. 

The reason given was a failure to “inform and brief” the party’s national officials.

Mbalula said these accusations should be brought straight to him. 

Beyond the municipal manager saga, Mbalula is also accused of influencing the delay of the ANC’s greater Johannesburg regional elective conference.

Regional coordinator Sasabona Manganye confirmed the postponement, stating, “The postponement of the conference is informed by the outstanding queries and disputes which requires finalisation before the conference so that the conference should focus on the agenda of how we must change and transform the lives of the people of Johannesburg.” 

The conference, now scheduled for November 14 to 16, is “pending approval from Mbalula,” further fueling speculation about his direct involvement.

The regional conference itself is a fiercely contested battleground, with current Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero facing significant challenges for the regional chairperson position. 

Manganye and current regional deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku are pivotal figures in the upcoming contest. 

Recent events, including Morero’s State of the City address, have reportedly fueled discontent among some senior party members, leading to accusations of an autocratic leadership style. 

While these criticisms are dismissed by some as “factional maneuvers” ahead of the conference, they highlight the deep divisions within the region.

Projections for the conference indicate a tight race. 

Morero has been nominated by 51% of Johannesburg branches for the chairperson position, narrowly ahead of Masuku with 49%. 

For regional secretary, Manganye still leads with 62%, followed by Lebogang Tshabalala at 21%. These figures underscore the high stakes and the potential for a dramatic reshuffle in the regional leadership, a process Mbalula is accused of attempting to steer away from Luthuli House.

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said accusations against Mbalula underscore the ongoing tension between party structures and governance processes, particularly in crucial metropolitan areas. 

“These coming weeks are likely to see further political maneuvering as the various factions vie for influence in both the City of Johannesburg and the ANC’s regional leadership. The parties are expected to meet again on Tuesday ahead of the next ordinary council meeting on Thursday, promising more developments in this unfolding political drama,” Molepo said.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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