Overview
- The late-night reshuffle took effect on 17 February, reallocating MMC posts to give the ANC five seats, the EFF two, and one each to the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA and the NFP.
- ActionSA rejected the appointment of its mayoral candidate Xolani Khumalo to Community Services and By-Law Enforcement, with Herman Mashaba saying the party will not join the administration.
- The EFF said it will move to the opposition benches after accusing Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza of unilaterally removing Bridget Thusi and Kgopello Hollo from Community Services and Human Settlements.
- The party also objected to shifting Water and Sanitation functions from Thembi Msane into a new Metro Utilities (Trading) Services portfolio now led by ANC councillor Jean Sthato.
- Xhakaza insists he consulted 13 of 16 council parties and says the changes follow an agreed Ekurhuleni Governance Framework, while swearing-in of some MMCs proceeded at the OR Tambo Government Precinct despite the boycott.