The African National Congress (ANC) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda Region of the North West has expelled five party members, including the Executive Mayor of the Maquassie Hills Local Municipality, Mzwandile Feliti, with immediate effect.
Feliti was expelled alongside fellow councillors Kgotso Leshomo, David Modisadife, Lebogang Medupe and Robert Mosholi after being found guilty of contravening the ANC constitution.
According to the party, the five members have been expelled from the ANC for a period of two years following disciplinary proceedings in which they were found guilty on all six charges brought against them.
The charges included defying and refusing to carry out instructions from the organisation, removing the ANC Speaker in the Maquassie Hills Local Municipal Council without the party’s approval, signing petitions, and convening what the ANC described as illegal council meetings.
Speaking during a media briefing, ANC Regional Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson of the Regional Disciplinary Committee, Zanele Mphafudi, defended the decision.
“Remember, there is a history behind this behaviour. It was not happening for the first time. They have consistently been defying the organisation, and they displayed unbecoming behaviour which amounts to gross misconduct,” said Mphafudi.
She maintained that the party followed all internal disciplinary procedures.
“They were subjected to a disciplinary tribunal in line with our constitution. They were duly served with notices to attend the disciplinary committee, formally charged, and given an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. The organisation also called witnesses to testify,” she explained.
Mphafudi further alleged that the councillors acted in concert with opposition parties within the municipal council, resulting in what the ANC described as misconduct committed under a common purpose.
Despite the expulsions coming just months before the anticipated local government elections, Mphafudi said the party was not concerned about any potential political fallout.
“Ill-discipline must be addressed regardless of when it occurs. When individuals remain in ANC positions and abuse those positions, communities suffer. Service delivery is no longer the priority; it becomes about personal interests. We must be decisive as part of the ANC’s renewal project,” she said.
The ANC has confirmed that the expelled members retain the right to appeal the ruling through the party’s internal structures, including the Provincial Disciplinary Committee of Appeal and the National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal.
