ANC nomination list: mixed voices

Friction erupted among members of the ANC on Friday as about 50 residents from numerous villages in Mogalakwena voiced their disappointment with the newly ANC candidates announced for the upcoming local government election.

July 15, 2016

Jolandi Fourie 1 minute read

Among the ANC supporters in favour of the recent candidate nomination was the former Mayor of the Mogalakwena Municipality, Tlhalefi Mashamaite. More than 200 ANC supporters sang in unity as the marchers read oud their memorandum.

MOKOPANE – Residents were escorted by the police and traffic officials as they marched to the ANC offices in Voor Street where they planned to hand over a memorandum with their grievances.

More than 200 ANC supporters in favour of the recent nominations met the marchers on the corner of Voor Street and Thabo Mbeki Drive, where they sang in unity.

Among the 200 supporters was the former Mayor of the Mogalakwena Municipality, Tlhalefi Mashamaite.

According to Billy Teffo, Regional Spokesperson of the ANC, the members were at the offices as they were on their way to the various wards within Mogalakwena to campaign.

The police pointed out to the group that they can be arrested as it is an illegal gathering and they were blocking the main road.

The group in favour then retreated to the ANC offices. Bryner Ngwenya, community leader, read the memorandum out loud, but it was not handed over as planned.

One of the issues on the three-page memorandum read: “Councillor candidates wanted by the majority of the community members were sabotaged not to emerge victorious and we do not agree with the process that was followed.”

One of the marchers said they were “proudly ANC”, but currently disappointed in the actions taken, while a member in favour of the nomination said they were satisfied.

Teffo said: “The right protocol was followed with regard to the nomination of ANC candidates, however, a dispute was launched on regional and provincial level, but both structures respectively condoned the nominations. The march therefore surprised them. The Regional Executive Committee of the ANC calls on members to respect the Constitution and the principles of the organisation.”