In an important step to tackle widespread errors in services and allegations of transplantate, the African National Congress (ANC) has announced in the free state that it will replace mayors in at least six municipalities. The decision follows intense internal pressure and public protest on the crumbling state of local administration in the province.
Provincial Secretary Pulediso Motsoeneng stated that the move is a direct answer to investigations into alleged corruption and is part of a renewed push from the ruling party to restore the public trust and to enforce accountability. The announcement indicates a potentially large commotion in a province where all 19 municipalities have previously been identified as some of the worst performing in the country.
The ANC Youth League (Ancyl) in the free state, which has been very critical of dealing with dysfunctional municipalities by the party, welcomed the decision as a “bold and decisive” first step. The deputy chairman of the competition, which was interviewed after the announcement, was cautious optimism.
“We welcome the daring and decisive decision … It is time that people vote are heard,” said the deputy chairman. “Where there is no service for our people, action must be taken by the African National Congress.”
The official confirmed that mayor positions, together with those of speakers and most important whips, are “on the block” in seven municipalities and leave them without leadership. However, he emphasized that this is only a start and noted that the number of affected municipalities will probably grow.
“It’s a start. It’s not the end of the road,” he said. “We will continue to provoke the ANC until we have fully functioning municipalities that bring service to our people … we are not in order, but at least it is a first step.”
This development comes in the midst of growing frustration of residents who have gone to social media and other platforms to criticize the ANC because of observed inactivity and the failure to make difficult decisions against his own officials. The party hopes that the radical changes will demonstrate an obligation to clean governance.
While six municipalities were initially appointed, the Provincial Executive Committee indicated that the final number could be higher, with conversations that are underway in other troubled municipalities such as Maluti-A-Phofung.
The ANC now faces the double challenge to find competent replacements to send the struggling municipalities to recovery and to prove to a skeptical audience that this action represents real change instead of a political gesture.
SAT – International
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