By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – The ANC is digging in behind its mayoral candidates in the Free State, even as anger grows on the ground — including in crisis-hit Maluti-A-Phofung.
First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane delivered the warning at the party’s manifesto launch in Grassland on Sunday, 30 August.
“Going into the streets and protesting, having not presented the case adequately… does not mean you were not listened to,” Mokonyane said.
“Members who oppose the selections could influence their future prospects within the party.”
In Maluti-A-Phofung, the ANC has shortlisted four candidates for mayor: Malekula Melato, Ntombikayise Mofutsanyana-Mbuli, Edwin Pitsi Noe and Tumelo Thebe.
The choice is under intense scrutiny. MAP continues to battle water shortages, collapsing infrastructure and governance failures.
In Mangaung Metro, eight names are in the running, including incumbent Gregory Nthatisi, Thabo Manyoni, Bongani Mathae and Theodorah Mosala-Leeuw.
In Matjhabeng, the inclusion of incumbent mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha has also sparked criticism amid financial and service delivery problems.
Mokonyane defended the process, saying candidates were chosen after community consultations, interviews, vetting and verification as part of the ANC’s renewal programme.
She said those who win must hit the ground running: Reconnect with communities in the first 30 days, assess IDPs, and show tangible progress within 100 days.
The candidate fights come as residents across the Free State demand better services and accountability.In MAP, all eyes will be on who gets the mayoral chain — whoever takes over inherits a municipality on the brink.
“Our mayoral candidates will be expected to translate our election manifesto into visible improvements in communities if elected,” Mokonyane said.
The message to unhappy members is clear: The list stands. Protest it, and risk your place in the ANC.
