28/08/2026
ANC JOE GQABI STATEMENT ON THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (EASTERN CAPE DIVISION, MAKHANDA) CASE NO.: 2025-093494 JUDGEMENT, IN A MATTER BETWEEN ELUNDINI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY & RECALLED COUNCILLORS.
27 AUGUST 2026
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Joe Gqabi Region formally notes and welcomes the judgement handed down by the Makhanda High Court in the matter between Mamello Leteba and Others v The Elundini Local Municipality and Others.
This judgment marks a decisive legal and victory for the rule of law, organisational discipline, and the constitutional integrity of local government. It brings finality to the protracted legal challenge mounted by the four defiant former councillors, whom after being recalled by the ANC for poor performance and gross ill-discipline, sought to overturn the legitimate decisions of the ANC and the Elundini Municipal Council.
After the ANC undertook it’s performance evaluation of the Elundini Local Municipality Council, the assessment revealed significant deficiencies in political oversight over the municipal administration, which directly impacted service delivery and governance. In response, the ANC took a decisive decision to reconstitute its council deployment.
This action was in inline with the ANC’s January 8th Statement, which committed the organisation to act decisively in fixing local government by strengthening oversight, enforcing accountability, prioritising service delivery, including road maintenance, water access, and electricity stability, and ensuring political stability in all municipalities.
Over recent months, the stability of the Elundini Municipalitywas held hostage by a faction of councillors who sought to establish a parallel council structure. Their conduct was characterised by gross ill-discipline, disdain for the integrity of municipal institutions, and a flagrant disregard for the organisational code of conduct. This behaviour not only undermined institutional stability but also severely hampered the municipality’s ability to deliver essential services to our people.
We therefore welcome the ruling of the Makhanda High Court Division, which has affirmed that the Elundini Local Executive Council elected during the Special Council sitting in April 2026 and which subsequently swore in the ANC Regional Deputy Chairperson, Cde Nonkongozelo Ruth Lengs, as the legitimate Mayor was constitutionally valid and lawful. Furthermore, the Court dismissed the application brought by the former councillors and ordered them to pay all costs associated with the matter.
This judgement is a resounding victory for the rule of law, constitutional order, and the affirms organisational discipline. It reaffirms that no individual or faction is above the collective decisions of the ANC and the legal framework governing our municipalities.
With this legal matter now concluded, the Elundini Local Municipality can finally focus on what truly matters: the delivery of quality services to our people, the improvement of governance and administration, and the restoration of much-needed stability in the council. The ANC calls upon all councillors and municipal officials to dedicate their full efforts to serving communities, fixing roads, ensuring access to clean water, and stabilising electricity supply.
The ANC in the Joe Gqabi Region remains unwavering in its commitment to continuously monitor and assess all municipalities within our jurisdiction. We will do so in line with the call for the rigorous implementation and monitoring of the Local Government Action Plan, which was adopted during the September 2025 Roll Call of Councillors.
We will not hesitate to act against any conduct that undermines the interests of our people or the integrity of our movement.
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Issued by ANC Joe Gqabi Regional Executive Committee
For enquiries contact:
ANC Regional Spokesperson
Cde Emihle Goniwe
0737876892
