By: Abigail Visagie
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has stamped its authority against defiant mayors it sought to recall from office.
Journal News can reveal that the seven mayors who were ordered to step down from office have now been served with immediate suspension letters of their party membership by the Provincial Working Committee (PEC). This follows their refusal to obey the provincial leadership’s instruction to resign.
According to the letter – seen by this publication and signed by Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneng on 16 September 2025 – the mayors will “attend the Council Caucus and council sittings” as directed by Motsoeneng or the regional secretaries until the disciplinary process is concluded.
Last month, the ANC provincial leadership announced the removal of seven troikas - comprising mayors, speakers and chief whips - from the Mafube, Moqhaka, Letsemeng, Nketoana, Nala and Masilonyana local municipalities, as well as the Lejweleputswa District Municipality. The decision was justified on grounds of poor performance and failure to deliver services.
The affected officials, however, have since written to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula appealing for intervention. This prompted Mbalula to summon the provincial executive committee (PEC) to the party’s headquarters, Luthuli House.
According to a memo from Mbalula – also seen by this publication - the PEC meeting will deliberate on the “redeployment” of the mayors, scheduled for today (19 September 2025) at 13:00.
A source within the PEC, however, revealed that only three of the seven mayors have received suspension letters so far.
“Only three mayors have received their letters, while others are still waiting. The process was halted by Mbalula’s call for a meeting, which could see it reversed,” the source said.
When contacted by Journal News on Thursday, Mafube mayor, Tlhoare Motsoeneng, declined to confirm or deny whether his ANC membership had been suspended.
“The rules of the ANC stipulate that, once the matter has been finalised, the province will release a statement on whether the mayors’ memberships have been suspended. I therefore cannot confirm or deny my suspension,” he said.
Similarly, Letsemeng mayor Bonolo Mocwaledi would not confirm if she had received a suspension letter - but instead referred this publication to the ANC’s provincial office.
Provincial spokesperson, Thabo Meeko, explained that the process of managing communication with deployees from the seven municipalities was still underway, adding that the ANC “has its own processes to manage redeployment.”
“The ANC cannot be inhumane towards its own members, so the decision to redeploy the mayors takes into account the constitutional requirements of the organisation.”
Meeko stressed that the seven mayors should not be treated as though they had committed individual offences, noting that the ANC views their failures as a collective, with the respective mayors serving as ‘commanders-in-chief’. He also emphasised that the process is about reconfiguration, not suspension.
“We don’t act arrogantly. We are a disciplined organisation, and once a decision is taken, its implementation requires that the ANC convene before reconfiguration.”
Meeko, however, confirmed that some members were resisting the decision and cautioned them against openly defying the party.
“That is why we are considering invoking clauses dealing with ill-discipline, particularly after members leaked internal letters into the public domain, knowing the ANC does not discuss such matters publicly.
“When people say they will not be removed, we remind them that they were deployed by the ANC. We urge members of the media to wait for us until the process is concluded,” Meeko added.
…after Ramaphosa’s public criticism of ‘incompetent’ ANC councillors
By: Refilwe Mochoari
The controversy surrounding ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks has set the stage for a potential explosive showdown at the fifth National General Council (NGC) meeting scheduled for 8 to 12 December at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
The party’s internal dynamics will be tested, and members will need to navigate their differences and find ways to move forward for the organisation's future.
The NGC is held every five years and serves as a platform for ANC members to debate and discuss the party’s future, and Ramaphosa’s remarks are likely to be a major topic of discussion.
Ramaphosa ignited a firestorm earlier this week when he made explosive comments during a councillors’ Roll Call, where over 4,000 councillors convened for a local government plan at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. He said that DA-led municipalities are better run than ANC-led municipalities.
This gathering was part of efforts to ensure its councillors remain aligned with the ANC mandate.
In his address, Ramaphosa singled out the Maluti-a-Phofung local Municipality in Free State and the Ditsobotla local Municipality in North West as the worst-performing municipalities in the country comparing them to the City of Cape Town and the Stellenbosch municipality both in the Western Cape Province a DA-led province.
Ramaphosa urged ANC councillors to learn from DA-controlled municipalities.
“It is usually painful each time when the Auditor General comes to report to cabinet and they put up their report and those municipalities that do best are not ANC-controlled municipalities and I can name it here because there is nothing wrong with competition, they are often DA-controlled municipalities, Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa challenged the party to learn from its rivals asking councillors to consider what the DA was doing differently in places such as Cape Town and Stellenbosch.
“And there is nothing wrong with us saying we want to go and see what Cape Town is doing, we want to go and see what Stellenbosch is doing, how they craft everything.
“We need to be moving up the ladder or being good at what we do, we cannot forever stay at the bottom,” the President said.
But political analysts say Ramaphosa has committed political suicide and might expert some nonchalant behaviour from members.
They say that the words he used, are unwise, while ANC councillors and members came out guns blazing and expressed their dissatisfaction saying that the President’s comments have undermined the organisation.
Political analyst from the University of Free State Professor Sethulego Matebesi says apart from angering many of his comrades, Ramaphosa has acknowledged that there are capacity issues in the ANC which are added on top of the corruption by its own members.
“This is also an acknowledgement that cadre deployment is not working, but you do not go in public like that against an organisation that you are leading.
“You cannot publicly acknowledge the success of another party.
“Remember that people’s alliances change and members will use this against him, especially because they know that he is not coming back as the president.
“He might experience some booing during his speeches at the NGC because these kinds of statements are not good for a bleeding organisation,” said Matebesi.
Another political analyst Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast from the Nelson Mandela University said these comments have landed Ramaphosa in hot water.
He says the President’s utterances could well backfire with the DA likely to use his words against him as part of their own political campaigning.
“There are things that you can acknowledge in private, but I think it was unwise to say that.
“Politics is a game of competition, so how do you tell your troops to look up to your political competitor? You might as well tell them to vote for that political party,” Breakfast said.
One ANC councillor who prefers to remain anonymous attended the gathering has expressed his dissatisfaction to Journal News.
“In recent years, the ANC has faced internal struggles and a growing divide among its members. This has come to a head with the upcoming NGC where the political and ideological standoff within the ANC will finally be addressed and hopefully resolved.
He says the NGC is also expected to address the growing dissent against Ramaphosa within the ANC. While many see him as a strong and capable leader, there are some who question his policies and decisions which have led to a clear divide within the party.
“The stakes are high for the ANC at the NGC, as the decisions made will shape the party’s future and its ability to lead South Africa, said the ANC councillor.
As the 2026 municipal elections approach, the Executive Mayor of Maluti A Phofung Local Municipality, Malekula Melato sat down with Journal News to unpack the challenges, progress, and priorities that shape the region’s political landscape. The mayor discussed service delivery, youth unemployment, infrastructure development, and the municipality’s plans to improve transparency and community engagement.
Thank you for your time Mayor. In your view, how would you describe the position of a mayor in local governance?
I cannot speak on behalf of my colleagues, but I firmly believe that I am a public servant for the people of Maluti-A-Phofung, and it is my duty to advocate for the community. Wherever I go, I carry and represent the pride of my municipality — and to me, that is the true embodiment of a mayor.
Maluti-A-Phofung has been in the headlines for a long time due to service delivery challenges. How do you navigate that?
The municipality is rural, yet it is one of the largest in the province and contributes significantly to the Free State’s overall votes. That alone highlights the weight of the responsibility I carry on my shoulders.
Can we look into the specific challenges faced by the municipality? What exactly are these issues, and how are you addressing them?
I face a number of challenges, but my top three priorities are service delivery, roads, and infrastructure. These are the areas I dedicate most of my focus to. I am, however, supported by the interventions of the national department, which strengthens our capacity to respond to these pressing issues.
It has been some time since we last heard of violent protests in your municipality. Would it be correct to say there has been progress in service delivery, or is it still too early?
Maluti-A-Phofung is currently undergoing significant change, and residents can already see positive and visible improvements. Although I am relatively new, I believe the turnaround strategy is beginning to show real impact. There was a period when Maluti-A-Phofung had no electricity at all, and we had to develop an intervention strategy in collaboration with both the provincial and national departments. Those efforts are now bearing fruit.
In these processes you are engaged in, are there any proud moments you can share with the public?
Indeed, one of the milestones I take great pride in was my visit to China in pursuit of investment opportunities for Maluti-A-Phofung. The scale of our service delivery challenges is such that the municipal budget alone cannot sufficiently address the levels of poverty within our communities. Recognising this, I took the initiative to position our municipality on an international platform, where the response was encouraging.
Among the notable outcomes was an agreement with two universities in China, which committed to offering opportunities for our youth to undertake short courses aimed at enhancing their skills and improving their livelihoods. This partnership not only strengthens our capacity to empower young people but also lays a foundation for future investment and job creation within Maluti-A-Phofung.
What are those courses, Mayor?
Our agreement is focused primarily on agriculture, as we already have an agricultural school within the municipality. We are placing greater emphasis and building more capacity in this sector to ensure that our young people are exposed to meaningful opportunities.
In addition, my team and I visited a TVET college, where discussions on cultural exchange were held. This was particularly exciting for us, given the presence of our traditional leaders, the Marena, in Maluti-A-Phofung. I also had the opportunity to attend a Chinese Film Festival, which created a platform to promote tourism in our municipality.
While engaging there, I ensured that the spotlight was not only on national filmmakers but also on our local creative industry. I highlighted that we have many talented young people who are eager to learn and participate in cultural exchanges between China and our community. It gives me great pride to cultivate and nurture the potential of our youth.
What is an exciting project that you have worked on since the inception of your mayoral position?
One of the projects I take pride in is the transformation of our community hall into an amphitheatre. Such refurbishments are particularly meaningful to me because they are directly linked to the development and empowerment of the youth.
In addition, I have introduced a six-month day-to-day working programme designed to equip young people with workplace skills, ensuring that they are prepared once they complete their short courses. I am also in discussions to implement a unisex beautician course, as part of a broader effort to provide diverse training opportunities for the young men and women of Maluti-A-Phofung.
Furthermore, our Special Economic Zone (SEZ), based in Harrismith, remains a priority. I am working on attracting investment into the firms and factories located there, with the goal of strengthening the rural economy and creating sustainable job opportunities.
You are relatively new as a mayor; are you intending to run for a second term?
I believe I am motivated and well-positioned to serve a second term. The infrastructure I have set in motion, coupled with the fact that I have represented Maluti-A-Phofung on international platforms, speaks to my tenacity and dedication. The organisation that deployed me has recognised my potential and the work I have undertaken. As a proud member of the African National Congress (ANC), I will always strive to raise our flag higher and serve our people with commitment.
What are your plans for the local government elections?
While I do have several plans in place, I prefer not to focus solely on organisational matters at this stage. My primary focus is on implementing initiatives that will improve the overall economic well-being of our youth, as they are the cornerstone of Maluti-A-Phofung’s future.
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.
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
Suspended Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene’s has been put forward for the mayoral candidacy for the City of Johannesburg in the upcoming 2026 local government election.
This despite ongoing investigations into his ties to the alleged crime underworld figure Katiso “KT” Molefe, who was arrested in connection with the murder of Oupa Sefoka, popularly known as ‘DJ Sumbody’.
Kunene was found at Molefe’s home at the time of the latter’s arrest but subsequently claimed to have only been accompanying and aiding an inexperienced journalist who is employed at his online newspaper.
While acknowledging that the investigations are still underway, current sports minister and PA president, Gayton McKenzie announced that Kunene candidacy for the Johannesburg mayoral post, while lauding his work as the city’s member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for transport.
“He (Kunene) has done very good work in the City of Joburg,” said McKenzie on the party’s Facebook platform “and the DP (deputy president) will be our mayoral candidate for Joburg.”
He continued: “We insist on that as he was a councillor. We will discuss with him that position, but the DP, we want his case to finish.”
McKenzie also shared that the investigations into the Kunene’s alleged links to Molefe allegations are at an advanced stage.
“The investigation of the DP will probably be done, but Eugene will tell us tomorrow when it will be done.”
Former Democratic Alliance member of parliament, Liam Jacobs, has also been announced as the party’s candidate for the mayoral position in Cape Town. The 24-year-old, who defected to McKenzie’s party in June this year, will be resigning from his current parliamentary position in pursuit of the Mother City’s mayoral hotseat.
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has raised fresh concerns over inmate deaths and assaults after receiving the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services' (JICS) first-quarter performance report for 2025/26.
Committee Chairperson, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, said the issue of unnatural inmate deaths had appeared before the committee for the second week in a row.
"Due to time constraints, the committee could not conclude its engagement with the DCS. However, we requested a full report, including details on the unknown causes of death," she said.
According to JICS, 24 unnatural deaths were recorded during the quarter under review. 20 of these occurred in the Gauteng region. The classification refers to cases where an apparently healthy inmate suddenly dies, and the cause of death is unknown.
Ramolobeng noted that the committee was particularly interested in learning about the method that JICS uses to investigate suicides, deaths of 'unknown cause', and those classed as 'unnatural other'.
JICS told the committee it investigates all unnatural deaths except those where no violence or foul play is suspected.
Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs) recorded all the 'unnatural other' cases and requested medico-legal documents from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
In addition, the committee heard that the JICS Complaints Unit received 177 complaints across categories in the quarter. Inmate-on-inmate assault was the most frequent with 46 cases, followed by 29 cases of official-on-inmate assault and 21 attempted suicides.
The committee was also informed that natural deaths remained high, with 120 reported by the DCS, including 52 classified as 'natural causes other'. Gauteng accounted for 47 of these cases.
Meanwhile, ICCVs processed 11,115 complaints and requests from inmates during the quarter. These ranged from appeals and access to social workers to concerns about conditions in correctional centres.
Among them were 316 inmate-on-inmate assaults, 76 official-on-inmate assaults, six inmate-on-official assaults and 12 sexual assaults.
Ramolobeng said the committee would continue to keep a close watch on JICS. She reiterated the need for stronger ties between the inspectorate and the DCS.
*This article was first published by IOL News
