The municipality’s mayor, Mpho Pilane, resigned on Tuesday with immediate effect. This has also been confirmed by the ANC Inter-Provincial Committee (IPC) that Pilane’s decision is a response to the directive call by the IPC for him to relinquish his position. 

The former mayor was asked to resign following his arrest on charges of rape, sexual assault, and abduction of two minors, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, at his guest house in Delareyville in 2020. 

IPC Coordinator, Hlomane Chauke, says the IPC is encouraged by Pilane’s decision and his cooperation in carrying out the instructions of the committee. “We reiterate our view that whilst the ANC respects the legal principle of presumption of innocence, the charges that Cadre Pilane faces are of a grave nature and have a potential to harm the image of the ANC. The 54th ANC National Conference enjoined us to strengthen our understanding of our values, ethics and morality and the demands that the people, the constitution and the rule of law place on us as the guardians of the state, and its resources,” Chauke adds. 

Pilane’s resignation also comes a few days after the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted the step-aside policy which was suggested at the party’s 54th national conference.

“We recommit ourselves to the destruction of patriarchy in all its forms and manifestation and we vow to strengthen our fight against the abuse of women and children. The IPC has urged Cadre Pilane to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their investigations. We reaffirm our confidence in the ability of our courts to administer justice without fear, favour or prejudice," Chauke further adds.

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