EFF, ANC lock horns over ‘missing’ Ekurhuleni waste trucks

Cracks are beginning to show in the ANC/EFF alliance in Ekurhuleni Metro over the latter’s allegations that compactors used to collect waste went missing, blaming city officials for “widespread” corruption.

The EFF has five MMCs in Ekurhuleni after a power-sharing deal with the ANC last month. African Independent Congress (AIC) councillor Sivuyile Ngodwana was elected mayor.

In a media briefing last week, EFF Gauteng leader and MMC Nkululeko Dunga said that of the 102 garbage trucks, only 32 were found.

According to Dunga, the rest of the trucks were stolen, leaving the city with no choice but to use service providers that cost millions in taxpayers’ money.

‘Stolen trucks false accusation’

Things came to a head on Tuesday when the ANC caucus indirectly accused the EFF of creating a “supergroup” of MMCs within the mayoral committee.

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According to the party, the waste trucks theft allegations were “inaccurate and sensationalised.”

“The ANC in the municipality was puzzled by some of the statements made around the Waste Department, in particular the false narrative that some trucks might have been stolen.”

As of last week, the city confirmed that 28 trucks were operational, and two new ones were being commissioned for fitment, said the ANC.

“Because of their intense use, 28 trucks are undergoing repairs, 10 of which should be back by now, as per the report received from administration.

“In February 2023, council approved Item A-F 16-2023, wherein 53 trucks were recommended for a write-off. The list of those trucks is contained in the report with their registration.

“Of note is that all parties supported the A-F-16 item.”

‘Mayor must take charge’

The caucus said it believed in “collective leadership and respect for leadership hierarchy,” calling on Ngodwana to ensure that the centre was holding.

The governing party never supported the election of a “blompot mayor,” read the statement.

“We are clear that the face of the city is the executive mayor, who must be supported by members of the mayoral committee. 

“The executive mayor must rise to the occasion because we will find it difficult to defend disjuncture in the mayoral committee. 

“MMCs must not enter into a competition with the executive mayor. We encourage all officials not to be intimidated and that they must adhere to good governance, and not illogical and illegal instructions. No trucks must be used for party cleaning campaigns.”

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However, in a tweet on Tuesday, Dunga lashed back at the party, accusing the ANC of “protecting someone or something.”

The anc has relied on a report written by officials on the status of waste, whilst we purely relied on a report based on physical verification that also included us waking up at 3am in the morning to be at depots. Who and what do they want to protect?

— Leko_Dunga (@DungaLeko) May 9, 2023

In a second tweet, Dunga said the ANC was “pained” by EFF MMCs being on the ground and “taking society into confidence” about some of its findings in the city.

“I’ve never heard of such. It’s pure madness,” he said.

The ANC/EFF alliance at Gauteng’s hung councils saw the Democratic Alliance (DA) coalition dismantled in Ekurhuleni, City of Joburg, West Rand District Municipality and Mogale City Local Municipality in the past few weeks.

The partnership deal includes giving the mayorship chain to minority parties such as the AIC.

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