By Teboho Moloi
BETHLEHEM – The African National Congress (ANC) in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region has emerged from its regional conference with a firm pledge to enforce accountability and tighten oversight on its deployees, as it seeks to rebuild public trust ahead of looming electoral pressures.
Re-elected regional chairperson Thabo Mokoena struck a decisive tone after securing a second term unopposed at the conference held at Eden Farm outside Bethlehem, signalling a renewed push to reconnect the party with communities and restore governance credibility.
Mokoena said the ANC will prioritise strengthening branch structures to ensure they remain grounded in the lived realities of residents.
“We are repositioning our branches to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of our people,” he said.
The regional leadership collective retained its top officials without contest, with Conny Msibi returning as deputy chairperson, Mojalefa Mohapi as regional secretary, Phoka Mofokeng as deputy secretary, and Malekula Melato as treasurer—an outcome that underscores internal unity but also places pressure on the leadership to deliver.
Mokoena outlined service delivery as a central battleground, pointing to deteriorating infrastructure and persistent failures across municipalities.
“Our focus is clear: rebuild worn-out infrastructure, fix roads, ensure reliable provision of water and electricity, and make certain that municipal funds are used for the benefit of communities,” he said.
In a sharp acknowledgment of governance weaknesses, Mokoena said the region will intensify oversight of ANC deployees in municipalities, warning against financial mismanagement.
He referenced recurring adverse findings in Auditor-General reports as evidence of the urgent need for reform.
“We cannot ignore the reality that many municipalities in this region are struggling. There must be strict adherence to financial management prescripts,” he said.
The ANC is also moving to tighten candidate selection processes. Mokoena confirmed that new national guidelines for councillor nominations will introduce stricter criteria, including minimum educational requirements.
He conceded that a lack of basic literacy among some councillors has undermined effective governance.
“We are responding directly to the illiteracy challenge. It is unacceptable that some councillors cannot read council agendas. These are individuals entrusted with leadership responsibilities—this is a risk we can no longer afford,” Mokoena said.
The renewed emphasis on accountability, competence and grassroots engagement signals a strategic shift by the ANC in the region, as it attempts to steady its political footing and confront mounting public dissatisfaction over service delivery failures.
