A political earthquake has struck Sol Plaatje Local Municipality after the African National Congress (ANC) expelled five of its councillors in a sweeping disciplinary crackdown, a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through Northern Cape politics and exposed deepening fault lines within the governing party.
The organisation's Northern Cape Provincial Secretary's Office confirmed that councillors Magret Molatudi, John Diphahe, Itumeleng Lekoma, Christopher Lephoi, and Yvonne Tau have been expelled from the organisation after being found guilty of conduct that brought the party into disrepute and violated its constitution, values, and disciplinary code.
The expulsions have now become final after none of the affected councillors exercised their right to appeal within the prescribed 21-day period.
In a statement, the party announced that the ruling of the Regional Disciplinary Committee is now "final and binding", effectively terminating the councillors' membership in the party and disqualifying them from serving as ANC public representatives in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality.
"The affected individuals are no longer members of the ANC and are therefore not permitted to represent the organisation in any capacity, including as public representatives deployed by the ANC," the party said.
While the ANC has not publicly disclosed the specific conduct that led to the disciplinary action, the unprecedented removal of five councillors at once has sparked speculation about internal divisions and growing tensions within the municipality.
Political analysts say the mass expulsions are likely to intensify scrutiny of governance and stability in Sol Plaatje, one of the Northern Cape's most strategically important municipalities and home to the provincial capital, Kimberley.
The ANC defended the decision, describing it as evidence of the organisation's commitment to accountability and internal discipline.
Provincial leaders said the party would continue to act decisively against members whose actions undermine the organisation's principles and the trust placed in it by communities.
"The ANC remains steadfast in upholding its constitution, values and organisational discipline without fear or favour," the statement said.
The party further stressed its commitment to strengthening governance, protecting its integrity, and ensuring that elected representatives remain accountable to both the organisation and the communities they serve.
The expulsions are expected to trigger a process to fill the vacancies left by the affected councillors, while municipal and electoral authorities consider the legal and administrative implications of the decision.
The development marks one of the most significant disciplinary interventions in recent years within ANC structures in the Northern Cape and could have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power and political dynamics in Sol Plaatje Municipality.
With five seats now effectively vacant and questions lingering over the circumstances that led to the expulsions, attention is turning to how the ANC will manage the fallout and whether the dramatic purge will restore stability or deepen divisions within its local ranks.
This is a developing story.
