Mbalula accused of meddling in Joburg's ANC affairs

Sources claim Secretary-General issued direct instructions regarding appointment of new municipal manager

- MASHUDU SADIKE [e-mail]

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is facing accusations of political interference in the City of Johannesburg's administrative affairs and the internal processes of the party's greater Johannesburg regional elective conference.

Sources within the ANC claim Mbalula has issued direct instructions regarding the appointment of the new municipal manager and has played a role in delaying the highly anticipated regional conference, aiming to influence its outcome.

The controversy surrounding the municipal manager appointment came to a head this week when a report on the yearlong recruitment process, set to be presented to council, was rescinded at the eleventh hour.

This dramatic turn followed a hastily convened meeting at Luthuli House, the ANC's headquarters, where Mbalula reportedly summoned the party's Gauteng provincial and Johannesburg regional leadership.

A rescinded report shows former city manager Floyd Brink as the top-ranking candidate with a score of 114, ahead of Msizi Myeza and Tshepo Makola.