The African National Congress (ANC) says it will not implement any changes to the office of the Executive Mayor in the Madibeng Local Municipality pending the outcome of urgent legal processes linked to the municipality’s leadership dispute.
The statement on Wednesday follows uncertainty over the future leadership of the North West municipality after internal ANC processes sought to recall the current mayor.
Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says ANC respects the rule of law and will allow court processes concerning the matter to take their course. The party says the recall process now underway will be met with urgent legal action and, until the matter is finalised, no steps will be taken to effect any leadership changes.
She further emphasised that ANC will act only through lawful and constitutional means and within the framework of its own constitution.
The development reflects ongoing tensions within ANC structures in municipalities across the country, where leadership battles and internal divisions have increasingly spilled into the courts.
The Madibeng matter also highlights the growing use of legal processes to challenge internal party decisions, particularly in municipalities where political control is closely contested.
Bhengu says municipalities exist to serve communities and warned against individuals placing personal ambitions ahead of the interests of residents and the movement.
Madibeng Local Municipality, which includes areas such as Brits and Hartbeespoort, has in recent years faced challenges related to political instability, service delivery concerns and governance disputes.
Bhengu adds its deployees and public servants are expected to focus on service delivery, economic development, job creation and community safety. The party also says discipline among public representatives remains under close watch and will be enforced consistently and lawfully.
