By BAKANG MOKOTO
13 October 2026 – The African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni has expelled three members and directed ward 79 councillor, Njabulo Mbonani to voluntarily step aside with immediate effect as the party moves to enforce organisational discipline ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. The party announced that the Regional Working Committee (RWC) had resolved to terminate the membership of Thato Mashiane, Thembinkosi Lubisi and Sibusiso Dlamini, following consideration of organisational reports, disciplinary findings and representations.
ANC Ekurhuleni acting Regional Secretary, Moipone Mhlongo said formal notices of expulsion and termination of membership were issued by the Office of the Regional Secretary on 9 October 2026.
“The decisions reflect the organisation’s commitment to ensuring accountability and compliance with its rules and procedures. The decisions followed notices to show cause issued to the three members on 2 October 2026, concerning their organisational standing, membership obligations and conduct in relation to the ANC’s electoral and organisational processes.
“A Special Regional Working Committee report on the recall of ANC councillors, dated 7 October 2026, identified conduct that it considered serious violations of the ANC Constitution, particularly Rule 25,” she said.
Mhlongo further said the alleged violations included supporting or joining political organisations contesting elections against the ANC’s officially endorsed electoral mandate, campaigning for or acting as an agent of organisations opposing ANC-endorsed candidates and failing to comply with official party policies, directives and duties. She added that adherence to the ANC Constitution, organisational discipline and respect for duly adopted resolutions remained fundamental obligations of party membership.
“To maintain continuity in municipal governance, constituency representation and service delivery, the ANC Ekurhuleni Region announced interim arrangements for three wards. The party designated acting councillors, Thabang Jiyane for Ward 2, ANC Chief Whip Alderman Pelisa Nkunjana for Ward 71.
“Councillor Lumka Poki is designated for Ward 52. The arrangements remain subject to applicable legal, municipal and administrative requirements. In a separate development, the RWC directed Ward 79 councillor, Njabulo Mbonani to voluntarily step aside from his position with immediate effect,” said Mhlongo.
She said Mbonani has been requested to confirm his acceptance of the directive in writing within 48 hours of receiving the official notice and to cooperate with the necessary handover arrangements. Mhlongo said Alderman Dorah Mlambo has been identified to act as Ward 79 councillor, subject to the required legal and administrative processes.
“The Region will engage the relevant municipal authorities to facilitate the necessary arrangements and safeguard continuity of governance and service delivery. The ANC Ekurhuleni Region has formally written to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, requesting that the vacancies arising from the organisational decisions be formally declared.
“The party remained committed to implementing its decisions through the appropriate structures and procedures, in accordance with applicable legislation and municipal governance requirements,” she said.
Mhlongo said as preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections continue, their priorities include strengthening party structures, upholding accountability and ensuring that municipal governance and service delivery remain central to its work.
