The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, confirmed in writing that he has taken note of the Freedom Front Plus’s (VF Plus) complaint regarding serious vote manipulation during the Emfuleni Municipality’s adjustment budget process in March this year.
He referred the matter to the Gauteng MEC for COGTA, Jacob Mamabolo, for further action.
Immediately after the relevant council meeting on 17 March 2026, the Freedom Front Plus lodged a formal complaint on municipal, provincial and national levels.
According to the party’s records, 83 councillors were present at the meeting. The actual votes were as follows: 42 councillors voted in favour of the budget, 40 voted against it, and one councillor abstained.
The Speaker, Sibongile Soxusa, however, announced that 46 councillors had voted in favour and 37 against the adjustment budget. Since a simple majority of 46 votes was required, this announcement allowed the budget to be adopted.
As soon as the meeting was concluded, the Freedom Front Plus stated that the result was either miscounted or deliberately manipulated and that the adoption of the budget is, consequently, unlawful.
The party expects the MEC to thoroughly probe the matter and that the irregular result will be overturned.
Transparency and accountability in municipal processes are of critical importance. Residents may not be harmed by unlawful council decisions.
The ANC may not get away with undermining democratic processes.
Voters are encouraged to vote for the Freedom Front Plus on 4 November to elect a responsible Council that operates strictly within the constraints of the law.
