Ramathuba stresses accountability in ANC selection

LIMPOPO – Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has issued a stern warning to aspiring ANC councillors, saying they should prove themselves that they are worth being elected to serve as councillors by having functioning branches.

Ramathuba opens councillor selection process in Giyani

Speaking at Giyani Stadium on Saturday during the launch of the ANC’s councillor selection process ahead of the local government elections later this year, Ramathuba made it clear that factionalism and favouritism will not be tolerated.

Warning against factionalism and favouritism

“If you are going to choose candidates based on friendships, it will not work,” she said.

“In Limpopo, we have dismantled factions. None of you will enter that space because you know Comrade Ramathuba,” she warned.

Functioning branches as a measure of readiness

Ramathuba said every candidate would be assessed on capacity and commitment.

“I heard that some councillors managed to fill buses for this event, and that is a good start and indicates that you have a functioning branch,” she said.

Councillors urged to remain accessible

The premier also warned councillors against changing their phone numbers after being elected, saying this makes it difficult for the same people who elected them to reach them.

“Use the same number you used during lobbying.

“Even if the municipality provides you with a phone, make it a government line so people can still reach you,” she said.

Stay in your communities, says Ramathuba

The same warning went to councillors who abandon their communities after being elected into leadership positions and move to stay in areas where there are better services, warning that this will make councillors lose touch with realities on the ground.

“Stay with your people,” she stresses

“There must not be a situation where councillors leave their communities to live elsewhere because of poor roads or conditions.

“Who do you think will fix those conditions if you leave? Stay with your people because they put you in that position,” she stressed.

“Can you imagine Phophi Ramathuba relocating to Sandton or Camps Bay? Who would then develop the roads in Limpopo? That is why I stay in Limpopo, because I must fix its problems,” she said.

Social media warnings to councillors

The premier also warned councillors against raising internal issues on social media, saying such actions weaken the organisation and give opposition parties an advantage.

She urged members to use official ANC channels to resolve challenges.

Internal discipline and consequences

“I cannot hear your challenges from opposition parties who use them to gain attention and weaken the ANC.

“If that happens, you will kiss your councillor job goodbye,” she warned.

Assurance of inclusion after elections

The premier further said, however, that while not everyone would become a councillor, the ANC would accommodate all if it won the election.

“If the ANC wins, all of you will be accommodated,” she said.