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ANC axes mayor!

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Some comrades are fuming that the new "unity slate" excludes Tsonga leaders like Basikopo Makamu. Photo by Gallo Images
Some comrades are fuming that the new "unity slate" excludes Tsonga leaders like Basikopo Makamu. Photo by Gallo Images

The ANC has recalled Madibeng Mayor Douglas Seleke Maimane with immediate effect, saying no leader is bigger than the people they serve.

THE ANC North West Provincial Executive Committee has taken the decision to recall Madibeng Mayor Douglas Seleke Maimane with immediate effect.

The decision was approved by the office of the secretary-general.

Maimane has also been recalled as a proportional representation councillor.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ANC said its caucus in the Madibeng Municipality would implement the decision through the council's legal processes.

The ruling party said no leader is bigger than the people they are elected to serve.

The ANC said public office is not a privilege but a responsibility to serve communities.

"The ANC deploys its cadres to serve the people and not to serve themselves," the party said.

"A deployment to public office is a responsibility held on behalf of our communities, and it's held only for as long as the cadre advances the mandate of the movement."

The ANC warned that it would not tolerate leaders who place personal ambitions above the residents' needs.

"No individual ambition will be allowed to stand above the needs of the people," the statement read.

The party also stressed that all councillors and public representatives are expected to follow organisational discipline and remain accountable to ANC structures and the communities they serve.

The ANC said municipalities must focus on delivering basic services and improving the lives of residents.

"Our municipalities must work and they must be singularly focused on the needs of the people: the delivery of basic services, the creation of jobs and economic opportunity, and the safety of our communities," the party said.

The party stated that residents have a right to expect functioning roads, reliable water and electricity supply, rubbish removal and safe, clean communities.

The ANC also directed a message to municipal officials, saying public servants must put residents first and protect public resources.

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The party said political leaders and municipal administrators should work together to ensure effective service delivery.

The recall comes as political pressure mounts on municipalities across the country to improve service delivery and restore public confidence in local government.

The ANC said it would continue taking decisions aimed at ensuring municipalities put the people first and uphold the discipline of the movement.

Kgomotso Medupe

Kgomotso Medupe

A Multimedia Political Reporter with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She covers South African politics, government, elections, public policy and breaking news, delivering accurate, impactful stories across digital and multimedia platforms.

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