Tensions in the ANC caucus reached a boiling point after a heated verbal attack in the Zastron council chamber directed at chief whip Pule Mahapane by a fellow ANC councillor. In a letter addressed to the ANC regional secretary, Mahapane is calling for immediate intervention into what he describes as a pattern of disrespect and undermining behaviour.

The incident, which allegedly occurred around 14:00 on 1 October, involved Ward 7 Cllr Thabiso Basta Nai, who Mahapane claims insulted him during a phone call and later sent a “vulgar” WhatsApp voice note.

Mohokare chief whip calls for intervention. Photo: Facebook

“He insulted me so badly with my mother’s private parts, including my own private parts. He made me feel ashamed of myself as his colleague and his leader in the ANC caucus. I find his behaviour and actions insulting, unprofessional, undermining and uncalled for,” wrote Mahapane.

The incident had left him emotionally affected, he said, adding his integrity and leadership as a senior member of the ANC caucus were being disrespected. This behaviour from Nai was not new, he alleged, as Nai had displayed unruly and uncontrolled behaviour since the start of the current municipal term.

Beyond the personal attack, Mahapane’s letter sheds light on what appears to be deeper political divisions in local ANC structures. He referenced a council meeting held on 30 September when certain ANC councillors allegedly voted with the opposition to terminate the contract of the acting municipal manager and appoint another candidate, moves that Mahapane insisted were not part of the original council agenda.

ANC councillor in Mohokahare who allegedly swore at the chief whip. Photo supplied

“The speaker denied having called councillors to a caucus, but the proceedings of the council meeting held on 30 September proved beyond any reasonable doubt that indeed there was a caucus of certain councillors of the ANC, as they voted with the opposition,” said Mahapane.

The intent of that caucus meeting, called without his knowledge as chief whip, was to influence councillors to support a motion of no confidence in the mayor, and to terminate the contract of the acting municipal manager, he claimed. These actions were “driven by ulterior motives, including allegations of job trading”.

“It is alleged that Cllr November has applied for an advertised position of security manager and was promised the position in exchange for voting in favour of these unlawful actions,” Mahapane stated.

Defiance of party discipline

He also raised concerns about the continued absence of several councillors from ANC caucus meetings, noting that three consecutive meetings had been missed by the same group. This behaviour reflected a broader defiance of party discipline and called into question the allegiance of some ANC members.

On Friday (10/10), the Free State High Court ordered the reinstatement of the acting municipal manager, who was removed during the disputed 30 September council meeting.

Nai refused to comment on the matter, but declined to say he was one of the councillors to vote with the opposition to get the acting municipal manager fired. 

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh