By Emily Setona
QWAQWA — The bitter leadership battle tearing apart the MAP16 Civic Movement has suffered a dramatic legal conclusion after the Free State High Court ruled in favour of the faction led by Sello Motholo, effectively cementing his group’s control of the organisation.
The judgment brings to an end months of internal conflict, counter-claims and power struggles within the influential civic movement after rival factions fought for control of the organisation’s leadership, administration and finances.
The application was brought by Paratlane Motloung, Azael Nhlapo, Shashapa Motaung, the Interim Central Executive Committee (ICEC) and the MAP16 Civic Movement, who sought to overturn resolutions adopted during a contentious Cadre Assembly held on 30 May 2025.
Motloung’s faction argued that the assembly was unlawful and asked the court to invalidate the election of the new leadership led by Motholo. They also wanted the court to restore Motloung and Nhlapo as signatories to the organisation’s ABSA bank account.
The respondents included Motholo, Mutlanyane Sekete, Larrigan Mofokeng, Tshohise Moloi, Moroesi Ntsala, Thabo Khabotle, Matshepo Mokubung and ABSA Bank, which was cited because of the dispute over control of the movement’s finances.
Court papers revealed deep divisions within MAP16, with allegations of governance failures, administrative instability and fears that the organisation risked becoming dysfunctional.
Motholo’s faction argued that urgent intervention was necessary to stabilise the movement and protect it from possible collapse and deregistration.
The respondents maintained that the 30 May 2025 Cadre Assembly was lawfully convened and fully empowered to elect a new leadership structure in the interests of the organisation and its members.
In a major blow to Motloung’s faction, the court found that the assembly and the leadership changes were lawful and procedurally valid.
The ruling confirmed Motholo’s group as the legitimate leadership of MAP16 and upheld the restructuring of the organisation’s administration and financial control.
As a result, Motloung and Nhlapo will not regain control of the organisation’s ABSA account, while the Motholo faction retains authority over MAP16’s affairs.
The court also overturned an earlier interim order granted on 6 June 2025 which had temporarily favoured Motloung’s faction on legal costs and interim relief.
Despite dismissing the main application, the court declined to grant a punitive costs order against the applicants.
Speaking to The Guard after the ruling, MAP16 convenor Paratlane Motloung said they intended to challenge the judgment.
“In regards to the judgment we are disappointed. At the same time we are glad that the judge dismissed the counter application made by the respondents,” said Motloung.
“We also feel that this judge misdirected and made a mess of this judgment. We will appeal this judgment. When the appeal is granted it will restore the status quo. I can tell you that we are preparing to file an appeal against this judgment.”
The ruling is expected to reshape the political direction of MAP16 and strengthen the authority of the Motholo-led leadership within QwaQwa’s civic and political landscape.
Legal observers say the judgment reinforces the principle that courts may uphold internal interventions aimed at preserving the stability and functionality of organisations facing governance crises
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