“Gone are the days of asinavalo.”
These are the words of ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula who stressed the importance of humility and service to the people, highlighting that arrogance goes against the values of the party’s renewal project.
His comments come after ANC mayor of the Kopanong Local Municipality in Free State Xolile Tseletsele was seen on a viral video threatening a resident who complained about lack of service delivery under the mayor’s watch.
It is reported that the resident, Kalebe Kalebe, used social media platforms to express his concerns about the potholes in Jagersfontein.
Mbalula used yesterday’s press conference to condemn Tseletsele’s behaviour and announced his suspension.
“We have directed the Provincial Secretary and his collective to address the matter as a matter of urgency.
The ANC expresses its utmost disgust and disapproval of the unprecedented conduct by Mayor Tseletsele and consequently, that immediate action must be taken against this unbecoming behaviour,” said Mbalula.
The mayor who is now placed on suspension used his Facebook page to apologise to Kalebe and his family.
Meanwhile, the provincial ANC Youth League released a statement defending the Tseletsele who is also its regional chairperson.
The league described the incident as a way of blocking him from getting an MPL position that he had successfully interviewed for a few days ago.