ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that the party has received a query of concern from the ANC Veterans’ League regarding the appointment of the EFF’s Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, as MEC for Finance in the province, and that the matter will be addressed.Mbalula was speaking to the media in Mamelodi, Pretoria, on Monday after a wreath-laying ceremony for the late anti-apartheid activist Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu.
“We did receive a query from the Veterans’ League. That matter we will address in due course this week and also at the regular NWC meeting next week,” he said.
“We will attend to their concerns because we must address these issues.”
“We can confirm that we did interact with Gauteng leadership regarding the challenge they faced in passing the budget,” Mbalula said.
He added that Gauteng leaders had met with ANC officials and submitted a report.
“We will now evaluate the extent to which they have navigated the path in passing the budget, as well as some of the issues arising from that process, which have raised questions among ANC members,” Mbalula said.
“These are uncharted waters. We deal with challenges daily, including the implications of decisions we take, while ensuring we are able to fulfil responsibilities such as passing the budget.”He said concerns about Gauteng had been raised by multiple ANC structures, including the Veterans’ League, Women’s League and ANC Youth League.
The developments follow changes made by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to his executive council, including the appointment of Dunga as the new MEC for Finance.Dunga’s appointment comes days after he was sworn in as a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.
The reshuffle also saw Lebogang Maile moved from finance to education and sports.
Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko was shifted from health to social development, effectively swapping roles with Faith Mazibuko.Matome Chiloane was removed from education in a move Lesufi described as “painful but necessary”, saying the provincial budget would not have passed without EFF support.
Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans’ League said it was “dismayed” by Dunga’s appointment.
“The premier of Gauteng is entrusting R179 billion to Dunga, who was relieved of his position in Ekurhuleni following allegations of poor financial performance and non-compliance,” said Veterans’ League president Snuki Zikala.
Zikalala said the move offered little reassurance to Gauteng residents, who expect leadership to prioritise service delivery and stability.
The league emphasised that coalition arrangements should follow the ANC’s strategic framework for municipal coalitions, adopted by the NEC in April 2023, which prioritises stable governance and improved service delivery.
“After holding a special ANC Veterans’ League NWC meeting, we will pursue this matter within the ANC. We are determined to ensure that those in senior government positions are ethical, incorruptible and committed to serving the people,” Zikala said.
Meanwhile, the ANC Youth League in Gauteng also expressed dissatisfaction with Lesufi’s decision.
SANCO raised similar concerns. However, the red berets have defended Dunga’s appointment.
IOL News previously reported that the party described him as a disciplined and proven leader committed to representing the working class and the poor.
Dunga’s return to provincial politics follows a turbulent period in Ekurhuleni, where he stepped down as EFF caucus leader amid tensions with the ANC over power-sharing in the mayoral committee.
The conflict ended with his removal as finance MMC by Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.