Mbalula faces accusations of political interference in Joburg ANC governance

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.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. | Supplied

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came to a head this week when a report on the yearlong recruitment process, set to be presented to council, was rescinded at the eleventh hour.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A rescinded report shows former city manager Floyd Brink as the top-ranking candidate with a score of 114, ahead of Msizi Myeza and Tshepo Makola.