By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says the party has noted concerns raised by the party’s Veterans League regarding the appointment of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Gauteng Provincial Chairperson Nkululeko Dunga.
Dunga has been appointed as the new MEC for Finance, replacing the ANC’s Lebogang Maile, who has been moved to the Education portfolio.
The veterans have questioned the decision to place oversight of a R179 billion budget in Dunga’s hands, despite previous allegations of poor financial performance and non-compliance during his tenure in Ekurhuleni.
“The ANC Veterans League was dismayed to learn this week about the appointment of the EFF Provincial Leader, Nkululeko Dunga, to the position of MEC for Finance in Gauteng,” said ANC Veterans’ League President Snuki Zikalala.
“These moves bring no comfort to the residents of Gauteng who expect their leadership to prioritise service delivery and stability.”
The league also raised broader concerns about coalition governance, emphasising that political arrangements must be guided by the ANC’s strategic framework adopted in April 2023.
SANCO has also criticised the appointment of Dunga.
SANCO Gauteng Chairperson, Abram Mashishi, said the reshuffle is an insult to Gauteng residents and an attack on the alliance.
“This decision is a direct betrayal of the democratic will of the people, where electoral strength is blatantly ignored in favour of backroom deals and elite arrangements,” said Mashishi.
Mbalula said the matter will be addressed in the National Working Committee (NWC) next week. He added that they have engaged with Gauteng leadership over the issue and they provided the report.
He said the NWC will now evaluate the report and provide feedback on the matter.
Mbalula was speaking to the media in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Monday after a wreath laying ceremony for the late anti-apartheid activist Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu.
Mbalula also said the party’s mayoral candidate selection process has already opened, and that the ANC hopes to announce its contenders next month.
“This week, we will call a press conference in which we will give you a framework. We are formally opening the interviews as agreed by the General Council and the ANC that the national officials must be seized with the matter of appointing mayors in the metros and the secondary cities in the country.”
The party’s national executive is now responsible for interviewing and selecting the person who will be the head of the government. This was done to prevent incompetent individuals from being appointed to senior government positions. Branches are expected to nominate candidates to represent them on various councils next year.
This comes after the IEC has introduced the new election identity, which includes the tagline “Get Up. Show Up. Vote”, saying it reflects a “forward-looking, voter-centric democracy” and is aimed at encouraging greater youth participation ahead of the elections.
It said the branding also reaffirms the commission’s commitment to delivering credible and accessible elections.
According to the IEC, the tagline is anchored in the belief that South Africans care deeply about their families, communities, livelihoods, and the future of the country.
The commission said the logo and tagline will now be used across election materials and platforms as part of the build-up to the local government elections.