SEDIBENG. – The ANC Women’s League in Sedibeng is demanding action after a member of the ANC Youth League Regional Task Team (ANCYL RTT) allegedly called the former executive mayor of Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), Lerato Maloka, a dog.

In a statement, ANCWL Sedibeng Regional Secretary, Disebo Tlebere said: “We are disgusted, appalled and deeply disappointed to learn that Cde Lerato, a dedicated, committed and formidable cadre, and leader, was publicly called a ‘dog’, in a blatant display of disrespect and misogyny, by a male member of the ANCYL RTT in Sedibeng.”

The RTT member’s utterances are said to have followed Maloka’s ousting from the mayoral position through a motion of no confidence last week. Tlebere said the ANCWL in Sedibeng was appalled by the remarks toward Maloka. She added that the ANCWL in the Sedibeng Region wishes to express its total and utter repugnance at the recent derogatory remarks directed at “our comrade” by a member of the ANC Youth League Regional Task Team (ANCYL RTT).

“In a violent society such as ours – where men seemingly continue to find it easy to resolve any conflict through the use of violence – we have come to accept that physical violence is often preceded by verbal threats such as these.  Such behaviour is unbecoming of a member of the ANCYL, let alone one in a leadership position, but undermines the principles of dignity, respect, and equality our movement is proud of. Finally, this acerbic language has no place in the ANC, more so as we accelerate the project to renew and rebuild our beloved organisation,” said ANCWL Regional Secretary, Disebo Tlebere.

Tlebere added that while the motion succeeded; they are confident it was not an indictment of Maloka’s competence or character.

“Rather, it was a signal of opportunistic manoeuvring in the political arena to make sure the ANC was out of power and had been the hallmark of coalition politics throughout South Africa. What is disheartening is the shortsightedness of some comrades who celebrate the removal of Cde Lerato; not appreciating the disruptions that such an act does to the ANC’s goal of delivering a better life for all residents of Sedibeng.”

She called for immediate disciplinary action against the ANCYL Regional Task Team member who made the remarks.