READ | EFF wins Ward 11 in Nkomazi Municipality

Shongwe said he had sacrificed immensely for the party, including resigning from his permanent position as a police officer, selling his vehicles to finance party programmes, and losing his marriage in 2019 because of the extensive time he dedicated to political work. “I sacrificed everything for this organisation because I believed in its vision and mission. I resigned from my job, sold my cars to support party programmes, and eventually lost my family because the party consumed most of my time,” said Shongwe. When Mpumalanga Mirror asked whether the resignations were linked to what appeared to be a targeted witch-hunt against their collective, Shongwe did not mince his words.

“I confirm, my brother, that this is a witch-hunt because we refused to be used. As a result, I became an enemy to the favourites within the party. “I defended those who founded the EFF in Nkomazi when it was not fashionable to do so. That is why they no longer want me because I fought for comrades who deserved to be rewarded,” he said. He further alleged that the so-called “foreign tendencies” began surfacing after the arrival of certain individuals within the party structures, which, according to him, changed the political atmosphere within the organisation.

“I was raised not to name and shame individuals, but to address problems. My political upbringing taught me to confront issues and not personalities. That is why myself and the collective have decided to resign peacefully. “We are not contesting anyone ahead of the upcoming local government elections. We are simply going home to regroup, recollect, and find ourselves again,” he added. An emotional Shongwe also reflected on the personal toll politics had taken on his life.

READ MORE | ANC Mpumalanga suspends Ngrayi Ngwenya with immediate effect

“The painful part is that I lost my family in the process when my wife and I divorced. Despite all the sacrifices I made, I find myself no longer belonging. However, we have to move forward and look ahead,” he said. Former councillor, Rachel Nkomo, echoed similar sentiments, citing what she described as insensitivity from party leadership during difficult moments in her personal life.
Nkomo revealed that she recently missed a sub-regional meeting attended by a national EFF official because her child was ill and required urgent medical attention.

“I had to rush my child to hospital because I told myself I could not lose another child by prioritising politics over family. Despite informing leadership about my situation, insensitive remarks were allegedly made about my absence,” she said.
She also recounted the trauma she endured during the 2016 Local Government Elections when her son was attacked and killed while she was attending to party election duties at a hotel in White River.”

“I informed the leadership about what was happening, but I felt completely alone and unsupported. It then dawned on me that despite my loyalty and dedication to the organisation, I stood alone. I continued serving the party despite the painful experiences, but I have now realised that it is time for me to step away and resign,” said Nkomo. Shongwe further claimed that the EFF in the region had become deeply divided, alleging that some of the divisions were being fuelled by individuals who were not even card-carrying members of the party.

“Eventually, the public will see exactly what I am talking about because the truth will ultimately come out,” he concluded.
EFF’s provincial chairperson, Collen Sedibe, dismissed the claims that the former councillors had been mistreated within the party, saying their grievances stemmed from internal conference outcomes they failed to accept. “They contested the conference and lost. They never healed from that defeat and never accepted Fighter Ngrayi from the moment he joined the EFF. They became gatekeepers, and that is why the EFF never grew under their leadership,” said Sedibe.

He further alleged that disciplinary action against some of the members was already being considered due to poor performance at branch level. “In fact, we were preparing to issue suspension letters because they were no longer doing work in their branches. Since losing the conference, they have not been active. We have long known that they intended to leave and that they had been holding meetings with the ANC,” he said. Sedibe added that some members were merely “following blindly without direction”.

“They do not know what they are doing or where they are going. There is nothing wrong with working outside your branch because, as a leader, you must work with everyone. That is the principle of the organisation,” he added. He further stated that all EFF public representatives are assigned two additional branches as part of the party’s organisational programme and leadership responsibilities.

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The federation used the platform to emphasise the need to reinforce workplace organisation, stressing closer collaboration with affiliated unions to better respond to workers’ concerns.

COSATU Deputy General-Secretary, Gerald Thwala said the federation is actively working to ensure unions remain accessible and responsive to workers’ needs.

“We’re busy as the federation making sure that we work together with our unions to strengthen what we call workplace organisation, that a union should be able to reach out to issues of workers and address those issues,” said Thwala. “Workers join unions specifically for protection, so we must provide that protection when they come with their grievances. We must be seen prioritising the issues that workers face in their workplaces.”

He described the process as ongoing, noting that COSATU would continue working on the ground with unions to improve service delivery and ensure workers feel supported. Concerns over worsening labour conditions also dominated the discussions, with some workers highlighting growing financial pressure and instability among workers.

Some of them described widespread anxiety among workers, citing retrenchments, stagnant wages, and rising living costs as key concerns. The strain, they said, is particularly severe in the private sector, while public sector workers also continue to experience income shortfalls in real terms.

Star Mmadi described the current situation as tough, particularly in the private sector. “As workers, we are facing a lot of challenges. We have experienced a lot of bloodbath, especially in the private sector.

“Even in the public service, workers have not received income increases in line with the cost of living. The current increments of 4% are not enough to match the rising cost of labour. Workers are still facing a lot of challenges,” Mmadi said.

Lemias Mashile stressed over unemployment and job losses, warning of the broader impact on communities. “We’re worried about the high unemployment rate and the retrenchment of workers. That makes the communities we live in poorer,” Mashile added.

He called on government to take urgent steps to address job losses and to stabilise livelihoods. The commemorations highlighted both the progress made in advancing workers’ rights and the persistent challenges that continue to affect millions of South Africans, with labour leaders calling for stronger interventions to protect workers and improve economic conditions.

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The party’s Treasurer-General, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, delivered the keynote address. As she ascended the podium to address supporters, she emphasised that the ANC’s renewal agenda must be visible and irreversible. In an interview with the media, she expressed confidence that there was no reason to believe the renewal process could be reversed, noting that it is deeply rooted within the organisation and should ultimately transcend into society.

READ | “The ANC will never fall

“We must not wait for a stream of water or sewage to become a flood before we act. We should not simply observe and describe how big a pothole is until there is no tar left.

“The second issue is the difficulty of running a government when you are weak. There have been significant milestones and progress made over the past 30 years or so; however, it remains very difficult to move forward. “We also have municipalities that return infrastructure funds to the Treasury. These kinds of instabilities are setting us back. Fixing local government will require all of us, as a community, to be involved.

READ MORE | ANC Mpumalanga ready for Local Government Elections

“We must act immediately, before the entire infrastructure is destroyed. Where there is no water, I am aware that there are several projects in Mpumalanga to build reservoirs and dams, some of which are at an advanced stage,” said Ramokgopa.
She further stated that renewal is not only confined to the ANC and the Alliance, but must also take place within society.

“I have said that we watch, and continue to watch with great pain, some of the issues that are being uncovered through our committees and commissions. We want to send a very clear message of zero tolerance to crime and corruption, to gender-based violence, and to ensure that the declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster, becomes real in the lives of women. I also highlighted the issue of young people.”

“There are many opportunities for young people, including the use of our natural resources to benefit them locally and through trade. We need to be more productive, think outside the box, be innovate, and ensure that today’s youth are at the forefront of building an inclusive economy,” she concluded.

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Mbalula was addressing a capacity-filled venue at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, October 18.

“My earnest warning to the province is to ensure that that all Councillors in every ward visit their constituencies to consult with communities in order to make sure they are knowledgeable of their concerns and problems affecting, then ensure they address them amicably.

“He said it is their responsibility to ensure communities are served and satisfied with their services. All provincial chairpersons have been instructed to submit reports to the ANC Head Office about how each Councillor is performing.

READ | “ANC is a home for all” – Mandla Ndlovu

“They have been instructed to fire any Councillor who doesn’t adhere to their work ethics, which is to serve the people at all costs. Failure to serve the communities affects the organisation during elections – hence I’m looking forward to receiving the list of redundant Councillors from this province,” he said emphatically.

On the same note, he urged the ANC delegates in attendance to ensure that their work in their constituencies attains the ANC a landslide victory than what transpired during the last national elections which eventually landed them in a Government of National Unity (GNU) which has brought a bitter taste to the party.

“We had no choice, but had to enter into a GNU with 10 political parties because we had gotten 40 percent of the votes. Had we not done that, we were finished, hence as you plan during this PGC, consider reflecting a committed service delivery real image to the electorate.

“I wish to tell you something, it is not a nice feeling being in the GNU as you have to succumb to unscrupulous tactics of the opposition at any given time, which doesn’t augur well with us. We should aim at an outright victory and be in full control and to retain such, our public representatives should ensure they serve their constituencies diligently at all times, then we’ll be on the right track,” emphasised Mbalula.

ALSO READ | https://mpmirroronline.co.za/anc-triumphs-over-mk-party-in-hluvukani/

On the other hand, Mbalula intervened when delegates booed and belted struggle songs when a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP)as delivering a message of support at the resumption of the PGC when he criticised the ANC – the delegates belted out some revolutionary songs.

Mbalula interjected thus: “Comrades, the SACP are our Alliance Partners, representing Communists, together with COSATU, representing workers. We shouldn’t boo them, but they, too, should understand that it’s been habitual lately for them to criticise the ANC on public platforms, which should not be the case as there are platforms to address any anomalies between the two parties.

ilil“They should also be reminded that they have never brought numbers into the Alliance as they’ve been a minority in South African politics, they will remain our allies, but this PGC must address this anomaly and we must have a peaceful coexistence with each other,” concluded Mbalula.

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The outcomes of the by-elections affirmed the ANC’s candidate, Treva Selepe as a councillor of the ward and affirmed that the people of Thaba Chweu in their majority, still trust the ANC as their organization to govern and bring a better life for all.

According to ANC provincial secretary, Muzi Chirwa, the victory is not taken lightly.

READ | “The ANC will never fall

“This is especially because it increases our political dominance in the Ward from 45% in the previous by-elections to the 53% we obtained yesterday. The ANC sincerely thanks the voters in Ward 6 for the mandate given to us and we assure the ratepayers of Thaba Chweu that we do not take their mandate for granted and we will do all in our power to deliver services at a much faster rate.

“This victory is extremely important to the ANC in the province because it comes exactly a year after we suffered a strategic setback in the 2024 General Elections. This election victory is a clear message that, our people only trust the ANC in the fight against poverty, unemployment, inequality and corruption,” he concluded.

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Speaking at the Provincial Legislature, he said the 7th Administration will pay special attention to sectors such as mass infrastructure programmes, manufacturing and benefaction, mining and energy, agriculture and forestry, tourism and cultural industries, including the green economy.

“Considering that 23.2% of our GDP comes from mining, we should convene a Mining Indaba/Summit to discuss the future of mining in the province, but most importantly, to develop a program of action which will benefit mining communities,” said the premier.

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This was during the Campaign Trail earlier today as part of the elections build up. Phosa praised the ANC for the achievements including building houses. “We’re able to suffer our weaknesses and say the journey of development and building houses is a long journey. We will continue to build stability in thus country and create jobs. A lot has changed and people need to acknowledge that. There are challenges but we have made a huge difference,” he said.

READ | ANC Chairperson leads Friday Campaign Trail in Mkhuhlu

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO:

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On Sunday, 28 April 2024, ANC provincial chairperson, Mandla Ndlovu made his presence felt by causing a turnaround of political loyalty between his party versus the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party. It recently infiltrated Ndlovu’s terrain by luring the community to pay allegiance to them with promises of giving them their vote.

READ | ANC members die in bus crash

“Do you know what brought me here? I grew up and matured in this community as I did my secondary school studies here. This is home to me and I did not accept it that the MK Party had come to confuse the community. I didn’t take it lying down, but I stood on both feet and conducted an intensive door-to-door campaign this morning until the afternoon, to reclaim my support and the ANC’s absolute support in this village.”

“The people have spoken for themselves that they won’t be persuaded by anyone or other organisations to turn their backs on the ANC – we are marching together with this community to vote for the ANC, and no one else,” vowed Ndlovu.

He, however, re-emphasised that the village was a stronghold of the ANC and that they will definitely vote for the ANC.

READ MORE | JUST IN: President announces election date

“I met with a lot of people and stakeholders, all of whom promised that they would vote for the African National Congress. The only concern they raised is about this road leading into Manyeleti Game Reserve which has been in a devastating condition for the past few years.
We have decided as a department, to transfer this road to SANRAL. They have already placed it in their plans to be fixed. Here we are going to win and they know we are capable of dealing with all their problems, too.”

“We do acknowledge that we do have our own challenges that we have to deal with in this country. We also want to make it clear that we are going to deal with all the problems facing the people in Mpumalanga and South Africa as a whole.

“People were excited to see the ANC within their vicinity. As I schooled here, I’m definitely sure that in this ward alone, we will definitely obtain 80 percent of the votes,” he stated assuredly.

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After being oppressed under the apartheid rule and being downtrodden since 1652 when settler, Jan van Rebieck, landed on our shores. The original inhabitants were reduced to fourth class citizens in the country of their birth for more than 350 years. On the 27th April 1994, it was the first time that the black majority in the country to be registered as voters. We voted for the first democratic government in South Africa, marking the first time that the African National Congress (ANC) came into power and has been the ruling party for six consecutive terms.

It was during their six-term as the ruling party, that a number of transformations were undertaken to firstly dismantle discriminatory laws that have foreseen the reintegration of society over the years. This period realised the free movement of people from rural areas to urban areas under the infamous Section 10.1A, under which if found in urban areas without that stamp, you were summarily arrested and kept for three months in jail for such an offence.

Curfews were the order of the day as night time in the cities and towns around the country were meant for the freedom of white citizens only because blacks were nothing, but labourers in their country of birth. Over the past 30 years, society changed tremendously as equal rights were bestowed upon every citizen in all spheres of life. Also which eradicated the Group Areas Act and people were able to reside anywhere in the country. We were able to enrol children at any school and tertiary institution, whereby, they were at liberty to study professions of their choice other than being mainly confined to teaching, nursing and the police force, among others.

Many wrongs have also taken place during this period in terms of governance and leading to widespread corruption. However, it’s not as surmountable as the more than 350 years of oppression under apartheid rule. As 2024 marks 30 years of freedom and coincides with our 30-year celebration, and incidentally is an election year, the electorate must not be deviated by enemies of black rule, but freedom of choice should prevail for the furtherance of democracy in our land. Let freedom reign!

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This development follows the provincial secretary Muzi Chirwa’s announcement in a media briefing on Wednesday, April 10. He said the Provincial Executive Committee decided to suspend Msibi. According to a statement by Msibi, he will initiate an appeal to the decision taken against him by the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee.

READ | “ANC is a home for all” – Mandla Ndlovu

“After thoroughly examining the judgment presented by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), of the ANC on behalf of the PDC, the whole disciplinary process by the PEC and PDC is flawed and misconstrued. They have misinterpreted various clauses of rule 25 of the Constitution of the ANC. Therefore, a decision has been made to appeal the decision to the National Disciplinary Committee,” read the statement.

VIDEO | Watch the full media briefing addressed by the provincial secretary.

BREAKING | The ANC Provincial Secretary, Muzi Chirwa, announced the PDC's decisions in a media briefing this morning. The Provincial Treasurer Mandla Msibi was found guilty and suspended for three years… pic.twitter.com/IJE81MdBI3

— Mpumalanga Mirror (@MPMirror) April 10, 2024

The statement further states that the appealing process means that no further action should be taken until the appeal process has been concluded. “Therefore, in accordance with rule 25.43 of the Constitution of the ANC, Cde Mandla Msibi remains a Provincial Treasurer and a member with full rights until the appeal process concludes.”

READ MORE | ANC members die in bus crash

In a media briefing held at January ‘Che’ Masilela House on Wednesday, they announced that Msibi will be suspended for three years but will only serve a one-year suspension. The party took the decision to expel Sibusiso ‘Bhuda’ Mdluli, while Sibusiso Mhlanga was cleared of all charges. This is a developing story.

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