Residents of the City of Ekurhuleni woke up on Wednesday to news of sweeping changes to the city’s Mayoral Committee, following a dramatic midnight reshuffle announced by Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
In a statement released with immediate effect from late 17 February 2026, Xhakaza confirmed that he had effected “strategic changes” to the composition of the City’s executive, citing extensive consultations with multi-party organisations represented in Council. Thirteen of the sixteen political parties participated in the discussions, culminating in what has been termed the Ekurhuleni Governance Framework.
According to the mayor, the framework will guide the work of the executive and serve as the foundation for strengthening what is described as a sustainable Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU).
The newly constituted Mayoral Committee comprises ten portfolios:
• Metro Utilities (Trading) Services: Cllr Jean Sthato
• Metro Operations and Maintenance: Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi
• Human Settlements: Cllr Leshaka Manamela
• Development Planning and Real Estate: Cllr Dino Peterson
• Roads and Transport: Cllr Lindiwe Mnguni
• Community Services and By-Law Enforcement: Cllr Xolani Khumalo
• Community Safety: Cllr Mzayifani Ngwenya
• Corporate Shared Services: Cllr Siphumule Ntombela
• Infrastructure and Economic Development Agency (EDA): Cllr Thembi Msane
• Finance and Strategy: Cllr Jongizizwe Dlabathi
The newly appointed Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) are expected to be sworn in on Wednesday morning at 9:00am at the OR Tambo Government Precinct, Mayor’s Parlour.
In outlining the principles underpinning the governance framework, Xhakaza emphasised that the coalition must be based on a “common minimum programme” focused on measurable service delivery and development targets. Coalition partners are required to commit to shared values, including stability, accountability, ethics, integrity, community participation, social justice, and respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.
“The Ekurhuleni Governance Framework is anchored under the principles of cohesion, stability and people-centred government,” Xhskaza said. He further commits the executive to building strong governance rooted in a pro-poor agenda and improving responsiveness and agility in service delivery.
However, the reshuffle has not been without controversy.
One of the newly appointed MMCs, Cllr Xolani Khumalo of ActionSA, who will head the Community Services and By-Law Enforcement portfolio, is facing serious legal challenges. Khumalo is a presenter of a television show that confronts and exposes alleged drug dealers, a role that has reportedly landed him in hot water. He is currently facing a number of court cases, including allegations of murder and attempted murder. The matters are before the courts.
His appointment has already sparked debate in political circles and among residents, with questions raised about governance ethics and the appropriateness of appointing a public office bearer while legal proceedings are ongoing. Neither the mayor nor ActionSA directly addressed the allegations in Tuesday’s announcement.
The timing and manner of the reshuffle have also drawn attention. Conducted at midnight, the move has been likened by some observers to the late-night Cabinet reshuffles that characterised the presidency of Jacob Zuma, which often triggered political and market uncertainty.
The political recalibration comes at a critical time. Later this year, South Africa is expected to hold local government elections, placing metros such as Ekurhuleni firmly in the spotlight. As one of Gauteng’s key economic hubs, Ekurhuleni is widely regarded as one of the most sought-after metros after the City of Johannesburg. Control of the metro is seen as strategically significant for political parties seeking to consolidate influence in the province.
Political analysts say the formation of a broad-based governance framework signals efforts to stabilise the metro ahead of the polls, amid ongoing coalition dynamics and service delivery pressures. Whether the new configuration will deliver the promised cohesion and stability — and translate into electoral advantage — remains to be seen.
For now, residents are watching closely as the new executive prepares to assume office. With infrastructure backlogs, public safety concerns and economic recovery high on the agenda, the effectiveness of the reconfigured Mayoral Committee will likely be measured not only by political unity, but by tangible improvements in communities across Ekurhuleni.
