Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza Faces ANC Revolt Amid Leadership Crisis and Murder Allegations

Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza under the microscope.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza is facing a perfect storm of opposition, with ANC factions within the region calling for his removal amid mounting tensions over his leadership and allegations linking him to two separate killings.

The political instability has rocked the municipality, with internal ANC divisions intersecting with demands from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leadership for changes.

Dissatisfaction with Xhakaza has been building within sections of the ANC in recent months, with concerns raised over his handling of relations with the EFF and attempts to explore working relationships with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM).

The ANC regional chairperson, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, stepped aside from his role, citing Xhakaza's disregard for party supporters' views on cooperation with the DA or ActionSA.

"The mayor's actions are destabilising the municipality and undermining the party's interests," said a senior ANC leader. "He's more focused on securing his position than serving the people."

The EFF has made Xhakaza's removal a condition for supporting a reconfiguration of power in the municipality, with provincial leader Nkululeko Dunga stating, "Xhakaza must go. We cannot continue to stabilise a municipality led by someone we do not trust."

Xhakaza faces allegations linking him to the 2023 shooting of Kempton Park DJ Bongani Mfito and the 2025 murder of Ekurhuleni municipal auditor Mpho Mafole. He denies the allegations, saying they are unfounded claims intended to damage his reputation.

Despite growing criticism, Xhakaza's proximity to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has strengthened his position. The ANC remains the largest party in the Ekurhuleni council, but the governing arrangement remains fragile, with shifting alliances influencing the balance of power.

The situation risks deepening instability in the municipality, with service delivery challenges and financial pressures under scrutiny from residents. The mayor's office has been accused of mismanaging funds and neglecting community needs, further eroding public trust.

As the battle for control of Ekurhuleni intensifies, residents are left wondering what the future holds for their municipality. Will Xhakaza survive the crisis, or will he become the latest casualty in the ANC's internal power struggles?