VANDERBIJLPARK – A dramatic play has taken centre stage at the ANC corridors as the Women’s League has called for the immediate removal of Emfuleni Local Municipality mayor Sipho Radebe.
This comes after the women’s wing sent out a letter addressed to Sedibeng regional coordinator and secretary general Jason Mkhwane, expressing serious concerns about Radebe’s alleged misconduct and leadership failures.
According to Sedibeng regional ANCWL secretary Disebo Tlebere, Radebe’s leadership has been marked by chaos, defiance, and abuse of power.
“Councillor Radebe has allowed a breakdown of organisational discipline by enabling MMCs to act outside the authority and mandate of the ANC,” read the hard-hitting letter dated October 8.
The Women’s League accused Radebe of promoting division within the municipality, claiming ANC deployees under his watch have been making unilateral decisions, including removing comrades from their posts without consultation or party approval.
“This has undermined collective leadership and weakened the integrity of the ANC in Emfuleni,” said the secretary.
Tlebere revealed that the ANCWL has obtained disturbing information about allegations of abuse involving Radebe.
“As the ANCWL, we hold an uncompromising position that there is no place in leadership for anyone who raises their hand against a woman.”
The alleged incident reportedly occurred around Mother’s Day, a detail that has infuriated the Women’s League.
“His continued leadership is morally indefensible and politically damaging to the image of our movement,” continued the statement.
The ANCWL has since called for the immediate removal of Radebe as mayor.
“The ANC must act decisively to defend the organisation’s values of integrity, accountability, and respect for women. Failure to do so risks sending a dangerous message that gender-based violence and abuse of power can be tolerated within the ranks of our movement.
“We request that this matter be treated with urgency and that appropriate action be taken in line with the ANC Constitution and the principles of democratic centralism. The ANCWL remains committed to defending the moral authority and integrity of the ANC and ensuring that those entrusted with leadership positions embody the values of the organisation,” said Tlebere.
The municipality issued a media alert on Tumi Mochawe acting on the position.
“Tumi Mochawe has been appointed acting executive mayor of the Emfuleni Local Municipality from October 6-10. During this time, he will oversee the municipality’s operations, ensuring service delivery continues smoothly and community needs remain a priority,” read the memo.
