The regional ANC still needs to interact and deliberate with the upper structure Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), led by Mxolisi Dukwana and Paseka Nompondo, amongst others. 

This means that the announcement of the suspension of Stefani Lockman on Friday by the low structure, for now, bears no meaning since the IPC decides on the fate of councillors in council. 

If the IPC agrees that Lockman should be suspended from the council, the party will be forced to nominate another name for the position of speaker. However, the ANC's Interim Regional Committee's (IRC) spokesperson, Ncamisa Ngxangisa, explains, as a matter of fact to OFM News, that the ANC has taken a decision to suspend Lockman. It does, however, not mean the move was automatic.

Ngxangisa explains further that it is a two-step, if not a 3-step, process to have her suspended.

On Friday, the ANC IRC coordinator, Sabelo Pitso, announced Lockman's immediate suspension. Pitso also mentioned that Lockman was made aware of the move and this was discussed with her. Over 16 councillors will also be hurled before the party's working committee. Pitso did not mince his words when addressing the issue of former Mangaung Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), Patrick Monyakoane. He said the party would push for Monyakoane to be removed from the list of Proportional Councillors (PR) by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). He said Monyakoane was working against the party mandate and policies. This was after the ANC Chief Whip in council had given a clear mandate for ANC councillors to not engage or entertain motions that were still under discussion.

However, Monyakoane and others councillors allegedly defied the wishes of the party and voted with the opposition to remove former Mangaung acting City Manager, Sello More, from his post.

OFM News