The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the decision by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to institute an Article 154 intervention in the Buffalo City Metro (East London), following a special council meeting held on 6 August 2025.
This intervention by Cogta arises from the metro’s persistent maladministration, financial mismanagement and service delivery crises. It entails the appointment of a thirteen-member technical team to enhance governance, stabilise finances, and restore service delivery over a twelve-month period.
This development affirms what the Freedom Front Plus has consistently warned about since 2021—that the current ANC-led local government struggles to fulfil its executive obligations as mandated by the Constitution.
During the council meeting, the Freedom Front Plus directly addressed the delegation of the Cogta MEC, Mr. Zolile Williams, asserting that the ruling party persistently disregards the concerns and warnings raised by opposition parties in the council.
The ANC has relied on its majority to force through decisions without adequate oversight, often dismissing valid objections and proposals. This has led to a deteriorating situation, now necessitating formal support from the provincial sphere.
While the Freedom Front Plus supports the provincial government’s actions, the party also calls for clear, deliverable objectives from the support teams and officials deployed to assist the municipality.
This intervention must not become a bureaucratic formality. It must yield measurable improvements, underpinned by transparency, deadlines, and regular progress reports to the council and the public.
Furthermore, the ANC’s executive leadership, including the mayor and mayoral committee, must accept political and moral responsibility for the failures that have necessitated this intervention.
This should serve as a moment of reflection and a warning about the consequences of poor leadership, mismanagement, and refusal to engage constructively.
The intervention is further evidence that the ANC is no longer fit to govern the Buffalo City Metro.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to responsible governance, transparency, and acting in the best interests of all residents.
The party will continue to closely monitor this support intervention and demand tangible, lasting improvements.
