By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosidiphile Doctor Xhakaza has removed Gauteng Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) chairperson Nkululeko Dunga as member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for finance.
The ANC’s Xhakaza was elected unopposed following the ousting of Sivuyile Ngodwana during a vote of no confidence.
In a statement on Wednesday, Xhakaza said the change in the composition of the mayoral committee was in light of “unforeseen misalignments”.
This decision is aimed at ensuring that we can effectively fast-track the completion and approval of the annual budget, a critical task for the continued development and growth of our city,” Xhakaza said.
Last month, credit ratings agency Moody’s placed the metro on review for further downgrades.
Dunga was accused of missing the deadline to submit the city’s 2022/23 annual financial statements, which him in breach of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), all municipalities must prepare consolidated annual financial statements and submit them to the auditor-general for auditing within three months of the financial year-end.
In the interim, Xhakaza had assigned MMC for city planning and economic development Nomadlozi Nkosi to oversee the finance portfolio.