In a significant move to address widespread service delivery failures and allegations of graft, the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has announced it will replace mayors in at least six municipalities. The decision follows intense internal pressure and public outcry over the crumbling state of local governance in the province.
Provincial Secretary Pulediso Motsoeneng stated the move is a direct response to investigations into alleged corruption and is part of a renewed push by the ruling party to restore public trust and enforce accountability. The announcement signals a potentially major shake-up in a province where all 19 municipalities have been previously identified as some of the worst-performing in the country.
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Free State, which has been highly critical of the party’s handling of dysfunctional municipalities, welcomed the decision as a “bold and decisive” first step. The league’s deputy chair, who was interviewed following the announcement, expressed cautious optimism.
“We welcome the bold and decisive decision… it’s about time that voices of the people are heard,” the deputy chair said. “Where there’s no service delivery for our people, there must be action taken by the African National Congress.”
The official confirmed that mayoral positions, along with those of speakers and chief whips, are “on the block” in seven municipalities, leaving them without leadership. However, he emphasized that this is only a beginning, noting that the number of affected municipalities is likely to grow.
“It’s a start. It’s not the end of the road,” he stated. “We’ll continue to provoke the ANC until totally we have functioning municipalities that bring service delivery to our people… We are not okay, but at least it’s a first step.”
This development comes amid growing frustration from residents who have taken to social media and other platforms to criticize the ANC for perceived inaction and failure to make tough decisions against its own officials. The party hopes the sweeping changes will demonstrate a commitment to clean governance.
While six municipalities were initially named, the Provincial Executive Committee has indicated that the final number could be higher, with talks ongoing in other troubled municipalities like Maluti-a-Phofung.
The ANC now faces the dual challenge of finding competent replacements to steer the struggling municipalities toward recovery and proving to a skeptical public that this action represents genuine change rather than a political gesture.