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ANC members face suspension after challenging party leadership in Eastern Cape
via The Citizen3 min read
Three ANC members, Lwazi Rotya, Sinethemba Mpande, and Nompumelelo Mzothwa, are facing suspension and disciplinary action after twice taking the party to court, including interdicting the Eastern Cape elective conference in March. Their lawyers are challenging these pending suspensions, which they view as vindictive. The trio recently sought to nullify the party’s interim provincial task team PTT in the Eastern Cape High Court in Makhanda, arguing its appointment undermined a court order and attacked the judiciary. The PTT was established by Luthuli House to replace the expired provincial executive committee and address internal disputes. The lawyers have written to PTT coordinator Helen Sauls-August, demanding the withdrawal of the suspension notices, dated June 4, or face legal action. They argue the suspensions violate the ANC constitution's Rules 25.56 and 25.57.5, which require a reasonable opportunity for response. The lawyers also reminded Sauls-August of pending contempt of court proceedings against the ANC and its officials for violating court orders and failing to disclose raw data. They contend that the PTT's existence undermines their clients' rights as ANC members and that the ANC is in contempt of court for refusing to honor an undertaking to disclose data. The lawyers also accuse the ANC of perjury and forgery, alleging the party manufactured fake executive committee meeting minutes to justify its case. They assert that the ANC's actions constitute multiple bre
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The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development has urged officials and the public to collaborate in combating the increasing rates of femicide and child abuse. MEC Bukiwe Fanta reported that department statistics show 60 women were killed since January, and 3,168 child abuse cases were reported. These child abuse cases include 35 abandoned children, 1,328 sexual abuse cases, 153 emotional abuse cases, and 279 physical abuse cases. The Alfred Nzo municipality recorded the highest number of sexual abuse cases with 366, followed by OR Tambo district with 362, Nelson Mandela metro with 278, and Chris Hani district with 136. The MEC expressed shock over the brutal murder and rape of women in Dudula and Masakala villages, highlighting that six women have died due to gender-based violence in Matatiele since April. Fanta described the violence as a national crisis fueled by toxic masculinity, societal indifference, and systemic inequalities. The department is committed to addressing this crisis by strengthening support systems for survivors, providing legal, psychological, and emotional care. Fanta called on communities to break the silence, foster a culture where victims feel safe to report abuse, and support survivors. She emphasized the importance of education and awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes and instill values of respect, consent, and equality. Fanta also stressed the need for swift action against perpetrators, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis stated in Boksburg on Wednesday that the City of Ekurhuleni has become a "gangster's paradise" for corrupt politicians and officials. His comments follow new information emerging from the Madlanga Commission concerning maladministration and the alleged looting of municipal funds through a sophisticated corruption network. Hill-Lewis asserted that "everything in Ekurhuleni is corrupted" and that "State Capture never ended in Ekurhuleni," describing the city as the "epicentre of what is known as the Gangster State." He linked current service delivery issues, such as broken roads, substations, and water systems, to the alleged pillaging of state resources. Hill-Lewis urged voters to support the party's mayoral candidate, Khathu Rasilingwane, in the upcoming elections on November 4, stating that she offers the "strong medicine" needed to restore honesty and combat corruption in the city. He expressed belief that Ekurhuleni can be improved, citing examples of DA governance in other areas like Cape Town and the Western Cape as proof that a government can be clean.
The Democratic Alliance DA in Gauteng has expressed shock following the African National Congress's ANC announcement of Hassan Mako as its mayoral candidate for the Emfuleni Local Municipality. Mako previously served as the MMC for Finance under former mayor Sipho Radebe, who was removed due to service delivery failures. The DA's mayoral candidate for Emfuleni, Kingsol Chabalala, stated that Mako was part of the leadership that led to the municipality's decline, citing his failure to restore financial stability and the municipality's ongoing debt to Eskom and Rand Water. Chabalala questioned Mako's ability to effectively lead as mayor, suggesting residents are tired of "recycled leaders." In contrast, Mzi Khumalo, spokesperson for the ANC's Gauteng Provincial Task Team, affirmed confidence in Mako, highlighting his extensive experience as a community development worker, ward councillor, and former MMC for Finance. Khumalo noted that Mako's selection followed a rigorous interview process by ANC National Office Bearers. Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast commented that the ANC's brand has been damaged by corruption and poor service delivery, predicting a downward trend in their electoral performance as younger voters prioritize basic services over the party's liberation struggle history.