Political tensions are simmering in the City of Ekurhuleni after ActionSA turned down an unexpected offer to join the ANC-led administration. Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza announced a reshuffled mayoral committee this week, appointing ActionSA’s mayoral candidate, Xolani Khumalo, as MMC for Community Services and Bylaw Enforcement -despite the party not being part of the governing coalition. But ActionSA swiftly rejected the offer, signalling that any partnership with the African National Congress is off the table, at least for now. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters has withdrawn from the ANC-led coalition following the reshuffle, adding further uncertainty to the metro’s political future. Could post-election dynamics shift the balance of power? We unpacked it all with ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont and the EFF’s Gauteng convenor of deployees, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku. Kayafm