The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng has sharply criticised the African National Congress (ANC) caucus in the troubled Emfuleni Local Municipality after a scheduled council meeting failed to proceed this week, accusing the governing party of placing political convenience ahead of service delivery and accountability.

In a statement issued on Friday, the EFF condemned what it described as “unprofessional conduct” by ANC councillors who allegedly arrived more than an hour late for an ordinary monthly council sitting scheduled for Thursday morning.

According to the EFF, the delayed arrival of ANC councillors resulted in the Speaker of Council postponing the sitting until next week Tuesday, sparking outrage from opposition parties and residents already frustrated by worsening service delivery problems across the Vaal.

The dispute unfolds at a time when Emfuleni Municipality remains under intense public and political scrutiny over deteriorating infrastructure, sewage spills, electricity interruptions, refuse collection failures and financial instability.

EFF Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, said the failure to convene council demonstrated a serious disregard for residents who continue to suffer daily hardships.

“The people of Emfuleni cannot continue to be subjected to a government that places political convenience above public service. Council is the highest decision-making body of the municipality and its unnecessary postponement delays critical decisions affecting communities already experiencing severe service delivery failures,” Dunga said.

He added that the EFF would demand accountability from the Speaker for failing to ensure that council proceedings continued as scheduled.

“The EFF entered the executive of the municipality to reinforce governance, ensure stability and strengthen oversight. We will not tolerate mediocrity, negligence or irresponsible conduct from any political organisation, including those we govern alongside,” he said.

The latest tensions highlight growing political instability in Emfuleni ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with parties increasingly trading blame over the municipality’s collapse.

Recent reports by several media organisations have painted a bleak picture of conditions across Emfuleni.

Earlier this month, Eyewitness News reported that businesses and residents in the municipality continue to battle sewage spills, waterlogging, potholes, erratic electricity supply and unreliable refuse collection. The report also noted concerns over millions of rands allegedly spent on overtime payments and suspended municipal employees while service delivery continues to deteriorate.

Communities such as Evaton, Sebokeng, Boipatong and Sharpeville have repeatedly raised concerns over decaying roads, overflowing sewage systems and mounting waste that has remained uncollected for weeks.

In another report published this month, the SowetanLIVE highlighted how residents in parts of Emfuleni have resorted to makeshift waste disposal methods amid a refuse collection crisis. Illegal dumping sites have spread across several townships, with residents warning of health risks and deteriorating living conditions.

The municipality has also faced criticism over ongoing electricity disruptions linked to ageing infrastructure and pressure on substations. Reports from local media indicated that several areas, including Bophelong and Vanderbijlpark, experienced recurring outages this month due to overloading and equipment failures.

Political pressure on the ANC in Emfuleni has intensified further following a dramatic by-election result this week in Ward 28, where the Democratic Alliance secured a narrow victory in what had long been regarded as an ANC stronghold. Analysts and political parties have linked the outcome directly to frustrations over poor governance and collapsing municipal services.

The EFF said Thursday’s failed council sitting reflected the broader governance crisis engulfing the municipality.

“The residents of Evaton who continue to suffer from deteriorating roads, unreliable water supply, electricity challenges and poor waste management deserve a government that responds to their plight with urgency,” the party said.

The party also accused the ANC-led administration of undermining accountability mechanisms within council structures at a time when decisive leadership is urgently needed.

Despite mounting criticism, Gauteng’s Cooperative Governance Department recently stated that Emfuleni was not yet ready to be placed under administration again, even as concerns over governance and service delivery continue to escalate.

As campaigning ahead of the November local government elections gains momentum, the EFF has positioned itself as a party committed to “accountable governance and effective oversight” in the municipality.

Dunga called on residents across the Vaal to support the EFF at the polls, saying communities deserved leadership that prioritised service delivery and constitutional obligations over political infighting.

“The people of Emfuleni deserve public representatives who respect their responsibilities and conduct themselves professionally. The time for excuses is over,” he said.

At the time of publication, the ANC had not commented.