By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA- Three former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillors in the troubled Maluti-a-Phofung municipality who recently announced their expulsion from EFF including former district party councillor and secretary have joined African Peoples Movement (APEMO).
Dieketseng Sedikwe, Mpuse Ratswana, Puleng Mollo and Mohau Molwele reviled their new political home on Saturday 04 July at Phuthaditjhaba multipurpose hall.
Former EFF secretary Molwele said they are going to contest the much-anticipated 2026 government elections in all 35 wards of Maluti a Phofung with an aim of taking over the municipality and change it for the better.
Molwele in an interview with The Guard Newspaper said their move comes follows declining many attempts by various organisations, political parties and civic movements who had approached them to join them.
He explained that APEMO policy directions such as campaigning for all undocumented illegal foreigners to leave South Africa back to their homes, being more committed to community service’s and service delivery than internal prioritising of political position including being clear about eradication of corruption attracted them to the movement.”
As APEMO we believe in empowering youth and that local challenges will only be resolved by local leaders who understands the dynamics of the area.
Once we take over, we will revitalize industrial areas for investors to have confidence to boost the local economy, create employment as well as dealing with electricity and water crisis that is currently a headache for our economy, “said Molwele.
He blamed lack of political will from parties in power, for what he refers to as poor existing economy of Maluti a Phofung.
“I can tell you now that it is not late and it is never too late to liberate the people of Maluti A Phofung. Come election result time we as APEMO are going to come out in charge of this municipality as we are going to put credible leaders including young blood but I can guarantee you we are going to be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
The outspoken Molwele said they have begun with community engagements to explain the long-term vision of APEMO with practical solutions to crisis that are known which makes people’s lives difficult.
The councillors dismissal from EFF follows their support for voting for the adoption of MAP budget tabled at Phuthaditjhaba auditorium on Thursday 11 June.
However, Molwele had defended his resignation as of result of hostile treatment he alleged to have been receiving under the red beret leadership comparing it to be the same endured by EFF leader Julius Malema has endured as ANC youth league president.
Alleging that he was subjected to intimidation, persecution and unfounded accusations aimed at damaging his reputation because of his political views and stance within the organisation.
