ANC Free State takes step aside rule serious

Politics/ 23 May 2022, 20:14pm/ Thabiso Ndobo

ANC Free State Convenor Mxolisi Dukwana: image supplied

Bloemfontein: The African National Congress’s Provincial Interim Committee in the Free State is expected to suspend two of its Mayors and a Councillor.

According to the party, the two Mayors from Masilonyana and Tswelopele Municipality are allegedly faced with criminal charges including, inciting violence and confiscating trading stock from foreign-owned shops respectively.

The Mayor of Masilonyana, Dimakatso Modise, incited violence which resulted in her predecessor’s home being set alight.

Modise is currently out on R2000 bail.

The Mayor of Tswelopele, Kenalemang Phukuntsi,  is faced with criminal charges after she allegedly confiscated trading stock worth R60 000 from foreign-owned shops in Hoopstad.

The party says all members who are found to be on the wrong side of the law, will have to voluntarily step aside or will be suspended.

The ANC is applying the step aside rule as it has before, when it forbade the former Mangaung Executive Mayor and the party’s Provincial Women’s League, Olly Mlamleli, from representing it pending the finalization of her criminal case.

The party’s IPC in the province is also expecting its Councillor in the Moqhaka Municipality, Lehlohonolo Ramajoe, to step aside with immediate effect.

Ramajoe was arrested in March for assault. He allegedly assaulted his ex-girlfriend and contravened a protection order against him.

It says, the step aside rule also prohibits those facing criminal charges from contesting leadership positions.

Meanwhile the party is awaiting reports from regions with leaders who are criminally implicated to take action.

Free State Insider