ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula ordered an urgent investigation into allegations against Lawrence Mathae, the speaker of the Mangaung metro and ANC regional chairperson. The complaints centre on five ANC members who claim they were expelled from their jobs in the speaker’s office after backing Mangaung MMC Vusi Soqhaka during the contested ANC Mangaung regional conference, which ultimately collapsed. 

The affected comrades are Mangi Shounyane, Nqamile Nxangisa, Tseliso Mokoai, Tsietsi Tekete, and Dineo Motlhabane.

Party insiders allege the dismissals occurred immediately after the conference, with Mathae accusing the employees of betraying him by not supporting his campaign. The alleged actions have sparked anger among ANC members who believe comrades are being punished for exercising their democratic rights within the organisation.

Chaos

The ANC’s 8th Regional Conference, recently held in Bloemfontein, descended into chaos and eventually collapsed following disputes over voting irregularities and vote counts. Allegations of violence also marred the gathering after preliminary results reportedly showed certain factions losing, prompting the suspension of proceedings.

In a letter addressed to provincial ANC secretary Polediso Motsoeneng, Mbalula described the allegations as “serious” and warned that if proven, they would constitute misconduct for which disciplinary proceedings may be invoked and instituted against Mathae.

Mbalula further stated such conduct would amount to a breach of the ANC membership oath and include behaving in a manner that would bring the ANC into disrepute, bring division, or impact negatively on the unity of the party.

The allegations put the ANC's reputation at risk. Photo: OFM News

He said the abuse of elected officials or those employed in the office of the organisation or in the state to obtain any direct or indirect undue advantage or enrichment or participation in any factional activity that goes beyond recognised norms of free debate inside the ANC and which threatens unity does not align with party policies.

The report, which will include Mathae’s right of reply, is expected to be submitted to Mbalula’s office on Sunday (10/5).

MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae

Mathae previously made headlines alongside his wife, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, after they were implicated in allegations of corruption linked to the awarding of the Tweespruit road construction contract.

The EFF, DA, and ActionSA opened criminal cases calling for investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering and abuse of public funds involving Letsoha-Mathae and other senior officials, including Mathae, former Free State premier Mxolisi Dukwana and New Beginnings CEO Patrick Phuti.

Phuti alleged illegal financial transactions occurred during the awarding of the contract while Letsoha-Mathae was MEC for community safety, roads and transport.

His accusations emerged through a leaked message in which he alleged the premier and her husband unfairly terminated his construction contract. He further alleged he had paid bribes to secure the contract, including purchasing a vehicle for the family.

ActionSA’s Patricia Kopane also claimed Dukwana was implicated, alleging he received R2 million from the same contractor while another vehicle was reportedly bought for Dukwana’s son.

Letsoha-Mathae has denied all allegations and called on Phuti to formally approach law enforcement agencies with evidence supporting his claims.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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