The ANC has recalled Emfuleni Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe with immediate effect, citing persistent service delivery failures, deteriorating municipal conditions, and a lack of political leadership in one of Gauteng's most troubled municipalities.
The dramatic move, announced by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula on Friday, marks a major political setback for Radebe and comes as residents continue to grapple with collapsing infrastructure, mounting municipal debt, sewage spills, water challenges, and growing frustration over basic services.
The ANC said its decision followed an assessment by provincial and regional leadership, which found that the municipality had failed to adequately prioritise issues affecting residents' daily lives, including road maintenance, refuse removal, water provision and environmental management.
"The African National Congress does not deploy public representatives to occupy office; we deploy them to serve. Where the service falters, the movement must act for the people. Today we have acted for the people of Emfuleni," said Mbalula.
The party said Emfuleni's challenges could no longer be ignored, particularly as the municipality remains under provincial intervention and continues to battle severe financial distress.
