By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The MAP 16 Civic Movement Organisation is facing internal turmoil, despite publicly denying the existence of factionalism within the party. This follows two separate conferences held over the weekend, one in QwaQwa on Friday, May 30, and another in Harrismith on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Signs of division were evident when one group of members gathered at Robala Lodge in QwaQwa for what they called a “Cadre Assembly.” This assembly sought to disband the interim leadership committee that has been in place since the party’s inception, elect new leaders, and refine the party’s mandate ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.
Further indications of a rift came as members from the opposing gatherings gave conflicting statements to this publication.MAP 16 convener and spokesperson, Paratlane Motloung, maintained that the organisation remains united and is focused on reclaiming control of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in the upcoming elections.
“We do not recognize that so-called election. ‘Cadre Assembly’ is a term usually associated with the ANC and not our platform. It is supposed to be a consultative process, not one where leadership is elected. This is the first time we’re seeing it being turned into a conference,” said Motloung.
In contrast, Mutlanyane Sekete, who was elected as the new spokesperson during the QwaQwa assembly, insisted that the gathering had resolved to disband the interim committee and would soon present new names for party leadership.
“The assembly was driven by concerned, loyal members in good standing, who are worried about the future of the party,” Sekete said. “We were also launching our party manifesto and establishing a clear mandate. We are aiming for an outright majority in the municipality.”
Sekete accused the interim leadership of failing to provide essential reports, including financial statements.“We’ve heard about this so-called ‘Lekgotla’ and we distance ourselves from it. It’s just another avenue for misusing party funds, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he added.
The QwaQwa assembly elected former MAP 16 mayor Gilbert Mokotso as the party’s new president. Meanwhile, a different faction convened a two-day “Lekgotla” at Lala Nathi Lodge in Harrismith, distancing themselves from the QwaQwa gathering.
Former Maluti-a-Phofung mayor Gilbert Mokotso.
Motloung labelled the QwaQwa meeting unconstitutional and claimed it had no standing in the party’s framework. “If any structure needed to meet, it should have been sanctioned by the interim leadership. We only heard about the so-called ‘Cadres Assembly’ through the media. It’s being led by so-called coordinators who are disgruntled with our leadership,” said Motloung.
He further stated that the Lekgotla would determine any necessary actions to be taken against those who organized the QwaQwa assembly. “Our constitution makes no provision for anything called a ‘Cadres Assembly.’ That term comes from the ANC and is consultative in nature; it’s not a platform for electing leadership. The fact that people turned it into a leadership conference shows confusion and disregard for party processes,” he added.
Independent political analyst Valerio Manzini said the developments reflect clear signs of internal division within MAP 16.
“This is a textbook case of factionalism and a power struggle, particularly with local elections looming. Both groups claim legitimacy, but the split in direction is evident. While each side says it acts in the best interest of the community, the lack of unity could severely weaken their electoral prospects,” Manzini said.
