The ANC recalled mayor Sipho Radebe, citing service delivery challenges in the municipality on Friday (29/5). In a statement, the party said it met with Radebe, who has since stepped down, adding that he accepted the decision.

The party said the removal of the mayor does not trigger a by-election; the decision followed an assessment of the condition of the institution and of the political leadership it requires.

DA mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala claimed senior ANC leaders have effectively admitted the extent of the crisis. “The rot or the collapse of the municipality did not start with Sipho Radebe.”

“I think also what makes matters worse, remember in Emfuleni the ANC got below 40%. Even if the ANC can bring ten mayors tomorrow, they would not be able to salvage the situation.

“The residents of Emfuleni need change because, as it is, the municipality cannot render even the most basic services. Our streets are littered with sewer, roads are riddled with potholes, and refuse is not collected.”

This municipality has been limping from one disaster to another. Even Gauteng ANC chairperson Lesufi Panyaza admitted under the ANC, this municipality will not be salvaged.

The municipality serves Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Vaal Oewer; it also serves Evaton, Sebokeng, Sharpeville, Boipatong, Bophelong, and Tshepiso.

It also serves suburban settlements and smaller areas such as Arcon Park, Bonanne, Debonair Park, Duncanville, Roshnee, Rust-ter-Vaal, Sonlandpark, Steel Park, Unitas Park, and Waldrift.

Emfuleni has been under provincial intervention in terms of section 139 of the Constitution since 2018 and operates under a revised Financial Recovery Plan adopted in 2024.

The institution carries a debt to Eskom in the region of R7.1bn, and an escalating debt to Rand Water, and successive auditor-general outcomes have been qualified with material findings.

THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS RECALLS CDE SIPHO RADEBE AS EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF EMFULENI.#YearOfDecisiveAction pic.twitter.com/hTRJXfgXsb

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) May 29, 2026

The provincial officials found a failure to prioritise the basic services that residents experience every day: the maintenance of roads, basic services such as refuse removal and management, clean water, and the cleanliness of the environment.

“Both are achievable where the political will exists, and a failure to take up the municipality’s place in the intergovernmental work convened to support it,” said ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula.

“The party does not deploy public representatives to occupy office; we deploy them to serve. Where the service falters, the movement must act for the people. Today we have acted for the people of Emfuleni.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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