Mantashe’s assertion sparked division within the party, with critics denouncing his stance while others insisted his message had been misinterpreted
By: Lerato Mutlanyane
Amid growing unrest within the ANC, party members have openly challenged National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, arguing that he should have been advised differently.
The criticism comes as tensions mount over the party’s direction. Speaking at the FNB Stadium in Gauteng, Mantashe lambasted local ANC councillors, claiming they are “good at singing and creating noise” but lack the skills to govern effectively.
“I know we have a lot of singing councillors, but we have no councils. You all sing well, but capacity dololo [nothing],” he told a rowdy crowd.
Mantashe added that this reflected the type of leadership the roll call was meant to address. “That is the council we are having—comrades who are councillors, leaders of the ANC, who make noise during meetings. What kind of leadership is that?”
His remarks triggered backlash from several local councillors, who accused him of being “divorced” from the realities they face on the ground.
A ward councillor in the Dihlabeng Local Municipality – who asked to remain anonymous – challenged Mantashe’s assessment.
“Our leadership is divorced from the reality we live in. The Chairperson’s insinuation on Monday has far-reaching implications, not only for us as councillors but for the organisation as a whole. We are trying to rebuild the ANC’s image after years of damage, and now, as we approach what is expected to be the most difficult election, our leadership is undermining us,” the councillor said.
However, Mangaung Ward 7 councillor Clement Sehloho took a different view, arguing that Mantashe’s comments were misinterpreted.
“From me personally, I feel the National Chairperson’s message was not to destroy but to build on the basis of governance, urging members to put in more effort. In terms of service delivery, we do our part as councillors, but what truly limits progress is funding. For example, in Freedom Square the roads are in a terrible state, and I have had to use my own money to buy gravel to temporarily fix potholes so that residents can use the roads,” Sehloho explained.
Responding to Mantashe’s remarks, Gauteng Provincial Task Team co-convener Panyaza Lesufi warned that councillors are facing real threats beyond political criticism.
“The message I suspect all councillors would want from the NEC is one of support. Our councillors are not only under attack from our communities but also targeted by people who are hired, resourced, and on a mission to kill them. As we convene here, comrade president, it is vital to stress the need not only to protect councillors and officials, but also whistleblowers who expose corruption in our municipalities and across state institutions,” Lesufi said.
