Mako Elected Emfuleni Mayor Amid ANC Leadership Controversy

The African National Congress (ANC) has faced renewed criticism for its handling of leadership in the Emfuleni Local Municipality, where local officials allege the party is recycling underperforming leaders amid a deepening service delivery crisis. The accusations come as the ANC’s Emfuleni branch reaffirms its support for outgoing mayor Mxolisi Mako, who was re-elected to a second term in a contentious vote last week, despite widespread complaints about municipal governance.

According to The Citizen, the ANC’s decision to retain Mako—who has overseen Emfuleni since 2021—has sparked a backlash from residents and opposition parties, who describe the move as a clear case of “recycling poor-quality leadership”. The municipality, part of the Gauteng province, has been plagued by water shortages, failing infrastructure, and allegations of corruption, with service delivery protests escalating in recent months. A 2023 audit by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) rated Emfuleni as one of the worst-performing municipalities in the country, citing systemic failures in financial management and service provision.

Why is the ANC facing backlash over Emfuleni’s leadership?

The controversy centers on the ANC’s internal processes, where local branches are accused of ignoring public sentiment in favor of party loyalty. The Citizen reports that Mako’s re-election was secured through a party-list system rather than a direct vote by residents, a method critics argue allows the ANC to bypass accountability. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the move, calling it “a betrayal of the people” and demanding an independent inquiry into municipal governance.

Mako’s tenure has been marked by disputes, including a 2022 court case where he was temporarily suspended over allegations of nepotism in hiring practices. While the charges were later dropped, the incident underscored broader concerns about transparency in Emfuleni’s administration. The ANC’s provincial leadership has not publicly addressed the criticisms, leaving the party’s stance on Mako’s future unclear.

What happens next for Emfuleni’s residents?

Residents of Emfuleni have already begun organizing protests, with local activists threatening legal action if service delivery does not improve. The municipality’s financial woes—including a reported R120 million debt to Gauteng’s water utility—have left basic services, such as electricity and sanitation, under severe strain. The ANC’s refusal to replace Mako has deepened skepticism about the party’s commitment to fixing the crisis.

Meanwhile, the re-election of Mako as mayor of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM)—a separate but neighboring authority—has added another layer to the controversy. According to The Citizen, Mako secured the mayoral position in ELM through a party-list vote on June 12, 2024, consolidating his influence over two municipalities in the same region. This dual role has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, though neither the ANC nor Mako has addressed these concerns publicly.

How does this compare to other ANC-led municipalities?

Emfuleni’s struggles mirror broader challenges faced by ANC-run municipalities across South Africa, where service delivery failures have fueled public discontent. In Mangaung (Free State) and Nkangala (Mpumalanga), similar leadership controversies have led to protests and legal battles, often tied to allegations of corruption or incompetence. However, Emfuleni’s case stands out due to the ANC’s explicit decision to retain a leader despite clear failures, a move that contrasts with recent attempts by the party to distance itself from high-profile scandals in other regions.

Analysts suggest the ANC’s approach in Emfuleni reflects a long-standing tension between party loyalty and democratic accountability. While the party has faced electoral losses in recent years, internal structures often prioritize retaining control over local branches—even at the cost of public trust. The Emfuleni situation tests whether this dynamic will continue to erode the ANC’s support base ahead of national elections expected in 2029.

The ANC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the leadership crisis in Emfuleni. Mako remains in office pending any internal or legal challenges, leaving residents with little immediate recourse. Protests and service delivery disruptions are expected to persist unless the party intervenes or the municipality’s financial situation stabilizes.