The ANC in Ekurhuleni has wielded the axe, expelling three members with immediate effect and forcing a fourth councillor to voluntarily step aside in a sweeping purge aimed at enforcing discipline just weeks before the November 4 local government elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the regional leadership confirmed that Thato Mashiane, Thembinkosi Lubisi and Sibusiso Dlamini have had their membership of the African National Congress terminated.
The decisions are contained in formal notices of expulsion issued by the Office of the Regional Secretary on 9 October 2026, following a Special Regional Working Committee meeting that sat on 7 October.
The ANC said the expulsions followed Notices to Show Cause issued on 2 October over the members’ “organisational standing, membership obligations and conduct in relation to the ANC’s electoral and organisational processes.”
According to the region, the Special RWC report on the recall of councillors found serious violations of Rule 25 of the ANC Constitution.
“The findings include supporting or joining political organisations contesting elections against the ANC’s officially endorsed electoral mandate, campaigning for or acting as an agent of entities opposing officially endorsed ANC candidates, and failing to comply with official organisational policies, directives and duties,” the region stated.
“The ANC regards adherence to its Constitution, organisational discipline and respect for duly adopted resolutions as fundamental obligations of membership.”
To avoid a governance vacuum, the region has moved to install acting councillors.
Ward 2 will now be overseen by Thabang Jiyane, Ward 71 by Chief Whip Ald Pelisa Nkunjana, and Ward 52 by Lumka Poki.
“These arrangements are intended to support the continuity of municipal oversight, constituency representation and service delivery, subject to the applicable legal, municipal and administrative requirements,” the ANC said.
In a separate but related action, the RWC has also directed Ward 79 councillor Njabulo Mbonani to voluntarily step aside with immediate effect.
The ANC said Mbonani has been given 48 hours to confirm his acceptance in writing and to cooperate with handover arrangements. Alderman Dorah Mlambo has been identified to act in Ward 79.
The party has formally written to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality to have the vacancies declared.
The purge comes as the ANC is fighting to reclaim Ekurhuleni, which it lost control of in 2021 and has been battling to stabilize through a fragile coalition. Internal sabotage and councillors campaigning for opposition parties have been blamed for weakening the ANC’s ground campaign.
“The decisions reflect the organisation’s commitment to ensuring accountability and compliance with its rules and procedures,” the statement read.
The ANC Ekurhuleni Region reiterated that it remains focused on preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections, insisting it is strengthening structures and upholding accountability.
“As the organisation continues its preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the ANC Ekurhuleni Region remains focused on strengthening its structures, upholding accountability and ensuring that municipal governance” is not disrupted, it said.
The expelled members have not yet responded publicly.