Finance MMC job in Jozi a political hotbed

ANC sources said this position is viewed as a step towards becoming a mayor, citing the examples of Parks Tau, Geoff Makhubo and Jolidee Matongo

- Lunga Mzangwe

The delay in appointing a finance MMC in the City of Johannesburg stems from the perception that the position is seen as a stepping stone to the mayoral seat, making it a hotly contested post, ANC regional sources say.

With the party due to hold its Johannesburg regional conference in September, two factions referred to as “Spirit” and “Fire Brigade” have been locked in a struggle for the finance position, which became vacant earlier this month after Margaret Arnolds was elected council speaker following the removal of ActionSA’s Nobuhle Mthembu.

Minority parties in the local coalition government, which is led by the ANC and Economic Freedom Fighters, are also vying for the position.

Some party members view the finance MMC post as effectively that of a deputy mayor and a pathway to becoming mayor, an ANC regional task team member told the Mail & Guardian.

“MMC for finance is like a deputy mayor, it’s a step away from being mayor. You control where the money goes, overseeing billions,” they said.

The ANC’s Parks Tau served as finance MMC before becoming mayor, as did Geoff Makhubo and Jolidee Matongo. Current mayor Dada Morero briefly served as mayor, then became finance MMC before returning for a second stint in the top job.

The ANC source added that with the conference looming and lobbying for positions intensifying, having a finance MMC aligned with a faction could be advantageous.