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.
Freedom Front Plus Sports Development: The FF Plus supports sports development programs in schools.
Moon Radar
Fun South African Fact: An approximate of 20% of the world’s gold is mined in South Africa.
Mud Eye
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”