By Zukile Majova
- Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga has resigned suddenly after clashes within the Economic Freedom Fighters and growing scandals at the metro.
- Council is set to meet on 4 December to deal with governance failures and possibly elect a new speaker to replace Tshivhenga.
Ekurhuleni is in political chaos once again after the sudden resignation of council speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga.
Tshivhenga, from the EFF, stepped down with immediate effect on 3 December after tense clashes with party leaders, including EFF Gauteng chairperson Nkululeko Dunga and senior member Julius Mdluli.
The timing of her exit — just a day before a crucial council meeting — has raised eyebrows across the city. Some see it as a strategic move to avoid facing the fallout from a growing number of scandals.
Tshivhenga is expected to be moved to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. But the Ekurhuleni council now finds itself without a speaker ahead of a key meeting on 4 December that could expose more systemic failures and lead to the appointment of an interim speaker.
The metro has been rocked by allegations of corruption and misconduct. The head of legal and risk, Kemi Behari, was suspended this week after being accused of blocking disciplinary action against deputy police chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi is accused of signing shady contracts that gave private companies access to emergency blue lights. This happened despite a recommendation two years ago by the police watchdog to discipline him.
At the Madlanga Commission, witnesses claimed Behari and human resources head Linda Gxasheka protected Mkhwanazi and even gave him salary increases.
Mkhwanazi was forced to testify after being subpoenaed. He has since been suspended.
All eyes will be on Thursday’s meeting, where councillors are expected to confront the city’s leadership crisis and decide what happens next.
Image caption: Ekurhuleni council speaker
Image source: City of Ekurhuleni
