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The Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity has made a deliberate choice to ignore the people and protect the status quo. For months, residents have raised the alarm on illegal immigration, the hijacking of the township economy, and the collapse of law enforcement. 

The GLU’s answer has been the same every time, no policy, no plan, and no political will to act. That silence became impossible to hide on 30 June 2026. Thousands of residents, traders, and community leaders filled the streets of Ekurhuleni with one clear demand, restore order, protect local businesses, and put Ekurhuleni citizens first. 

Instead of listening, the GLU hid behind process, dodged accountability, and insulted every person who marched. This is not governance. It is an abdication of duty. A government that will not defend local livelihoods, will not regulate who trades in our township economy, and will not enforce the law, has no mandate to lead Ekurhuleni.

While local entrepreneurs are being displaced, non-compliant trading multiplies, and municipal services buckle under the strain, the coalition in power has chosen inaction over residents. To ignore 30 June is to tell Ekurhuleni, your voice does not matter. 

ActionSA will not accept that. We therefore demand the following, with immediate effect 

• City-Wide Audit and Enforcement Blitz: A time-bound audit of all trading premises in township economic nodes, followed by immediate enforcement of municipal by-laws, business licensing laws, and immigration legislation against non-compliant operators.
• Township Economy Protection Framework: The urgent tabling and adoption of a policy that reserves trading space, permits, and designated economic zones for Ekurhuleni citizens and legally compliant SMMEs, with a published 30-day implementation plan and quarterly public reporting. 

ActionSA believes the GLU’s refusal to pronounce on the demands of citizens is a dereliction of responsibility. A municipality that chooses inaction over its residents has forgotten who it is elected to serve.

Ekurhuleni needs enforcement. Five months before an election, the choice is simple, act now to protect residents and local businesses, or step aside.

Press Statement by: Cllr Xolani Khumalo - ActionSA Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate