Tight race for Ekurhuleni mayoral chain as talks continue

The red berets, as the kingmakers, are locked in talks with the African National Congress (ANC) on the sidelines of the special council meeting.  

The EFF has played its cards close to its chest, remaining tight lipped about who the party may support, if at all, after is abstained from voting during last week's vote of no confidence against Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayor Tania Campbell.

It has been speculated that the EFF may field the name of their own candidate with Dunga as the favourite, but Dunga would not confirm this. 

“In terms of seniority, one may come to that conclusion because I am the most senior in the rank and file of the EFF in the city of Ekurhuleni but more than anything we look at competency and efficiency,” Dunga said. 

The DA has said it backs the re-election of Campbell, while the ANC is said to be working on returning the mayoral chain to former Mayor Mzwandile Masina. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of the ANC’s longest serving president OR Tambo last week, Masina said the focus should not be on individuals but on forming sustainable coalition governments. 

“Where we are now more focusing on making sure that we can produce sustainable governments, as you can see these coalition governments are no longer sustainable…we are talking various parties to make sure that we can create a stable environment so that we can deliver services,” Masina said.

The EFF’s Floyd Shivambu, the DA’s Solly Msimanga, the ANC’s Panyaza Lesufi and Action SA’s Bongani Baloyi are among some of the provincial political leaders seen in council. 

Earlier the ANC asked for a caucus break to meet with the EFF as deliberations continued.

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