PA eyes mayoral post

By Emily Setona

QWAQWA – With the African National Congress’s having failed to garner enough votes to govern in Maluti-a-Phofung, smaller parties are fancying their chances of putting up a stronger showing in the 2026 local municipality elections.

Even though campaigning for the local government election has not started, the small parties seem to notice that time flies and they do not want to be caught off guard.

Such political parties that are visible around Maluti-a-Phofung include new boys Mkhwonto we Sizwe and Patriotic Alliance (PA), both of which have never been represented in Maluti-a-Phofung local council.

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has introduced Motswahae Serowe, widely known as “Master,” as their mayoral candidate, stating that he is the man to be entrusted with the job to turn Maluti-a-Phofung (MAP) around if given the opportunity to lead.

At a media briefing held on January 19 at the PA office in Debuilt, Serowe was presented as a leader and activist poised to bring change to the impoverished community of MAP.

Serowe emphasized his commitment to tangible action over empty promises.

“As the PA’s mayoral candidate, I am not here to make hollow declarations. My track record as an active community member speaks for itself. We, as PA leaders, fulfil our social responsibilities daily without holding official positions. When residents approach me for help, I assist without hesitation, demonstrating that leadership begins with action,” he said.

Local businessman and active member of the PA, Stanley Letsela, described Serowe as a dedicated activist with a hands-on approach to addressing community needs.

“The people of Maluti-a-Phofung must ask themselves: why continue voting for a party that consistently fails to deliver basic services? Master is not only passionate but also selfless, often using his own resources to tackle service delivery issues. He embodies the values of the Patriotic Alliance,” Letsela stated.

The PA Women’s Alliance also expressed their strong support for Serowe’s candidacy. Mororiseng Komoreng, a leading member of the women’s wing, highlighted the crucial role of women in driving societal change.

“Women are the backbone of our communities. As the PA Women’s Alliance, we fully endorse Serowe and commit to being active and visible in our communities to ensure the party’s mission is realized,” Komoreng said.

With a focus on service delivery, community upliftment, and grassroots activism, the Patriotic Alliance believes Serowe is the leader needed to address the longstanding challenges in Maluti-a-Phofung and beyond.

The Patriotic Alliance, established to address social and economic injustices in South Africa, has gained traction as an alternative voice in municipal politics. Known for its grassroots activism, the PA focuses on improving service delivery and holding government officials accountable.

With a growing presence in several provinces, the party positions itself as a catalyst for change, especially in communities that have long suffered under ineffective governance.