Expelled NW councillors may harm ANC in the event that they defect: Skilled – SABC Information

A local government expert says the ANC’s recent expulsion of councillors in the trouble-torn Lichtenburg-based Ditsobotla Local Municipality may have serious consequences for the party if the councillors decide to join other parties.

The ANC councillors were taken to task over five charges, including sowing divisions in the caucus.

The ANC formally announced the expulsion of the former mayor, Mazwi Moruri, as well as the former Speaker, Jarious Modisakeng, earlier this week.

Arthur Shopola from the University of the North West, says, “The charges that were imposed on these councillors relate to misconduct, issues of discipline within the ANC. You know, you cannot miss a council meeting that was intended or aimed at passing a Budget, and expect the organisation, ANC in this case, to just fold its arms. In one way or another, there ought to be some form of discipline taking place. This scenario must also be a lesson to other comrades of the ANC in other municipalities.”

The ANC, however, holds a different view.

The party’s provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, says, “In the case (that) the accused in this matter are not making any appeals, the ANC will ask the municipality to declare a vacancy. In this instance, these are ward councillors. We will definitely go to by-elections. I must indicate that on our side, we accept the decisions and we are happy with the process that has unfolded.”

[WATCH]
The ANC in the North West is set to officially announce the expulsion of former Ditsobotla Mayor Mazwi Moruri along with nine other councillors. The members were accused of bringing the party into disrepute. pic.twitter.com/nMmN0oXTs7

— SABC News (@SABCNews) July 3, 2025