By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Maluti-a-Phofung has been plunged into turmoil ahead of the upcoming local government elections after four municipal councillors were expelled from the party while regional chairperson Mohau Molwele resigned from both the EFF and his position as a district councillor.
The dramatic developments, confirmed on Tuesday, have exposed deepening divisions within the party following the adoption of the municipality’s 2026/27 budget.
The expelled councillors — Dieketseng Sedikwe, Sharon Mkhwanazi, Puseletso Ratswana and Puleng Mollo — allege that their removal stems from their decision to support the municipal budget tabled by Executive Mayor Tumelo Thebe during a council sitting held at the Phuthaditjhaba Auditorium on June 11.
EFF Member of Parliament Mandisa Makheseni confirmed that the party had received Molwele’s resignation letter and described his departure as voluntary.
“We welcome the resignation letter submitted by Mr Mohau Molwele,” Makheseni said.
She added that internal disciplinary processes involving the four councillors were still underway and that the party would communicate its final position once those processes had been concluded.
“The party will formally communicate its position regarding the four councillors following their conduct during the budget process,” she said.
Molwele, however, defended his resignation, claiming he had been subjected to sustained hostility, intimidation and persecution within the organisation.
Drawing comparisons with the experiences of EFF leader Julius Malema during his tenure as president of the ANC Youth League, Molwele said he had faced unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing his reputation and weakening his influence within the movement.
“I have experienced the same hostile treatment that Julius Malema faced during his time in the ANC Youth League,” he said.
“I was arrested and accused of things that were not true. Those allegations were based on lies and could not be proven. I believe these actions were intended to silence me and undermine my role within the movement.”
Molwele also came to the defence of the expelled councillors, arguing that they had acted in the interests of residents rather than party politics.
“The councillors took the correct decision by choosing the people over internal divisions within the party,” he said.“
They were instructed not to attend council sittings and were subsequently removed from all official party social media platforms. This demonstrates that the issue was not about serving the community but about enforcing party and individual interests at the expense of the people.”
Speaking during a media briefing held at Mamello Primary School on Youth Day, Molwele said he and his supporters were consulting with residents and community stakeholders about the future political direction they should pursue.
He revealed that discussions were underway to identify a credible civic movement that genuinely represents the interests of local communities.
“We are currently consulting with residents and stakeholders on the way forward,” he said.
“We have no intention of joining another political party. Our focus is on serving communities, ensuring that residents have a meaningful voice in decision-making and avoiding the same challenges we experienced within the EFF.”
The resignations and expulsions come at a critical time for the EFF in Maluti-a-Phofung, raising questions about party unity and political stability as preparations for the next local government elections gather momentum.
One Response
I wasn’t expecting this will happen as I know fighter molwele he was good leader in the EFF bt wrong is wrong and he know the organisation policy very well so he make good choice for resign from both positions bcz in EFF only truth and trust needed working for the people who put you there .I salute his choice for resigning.