Greater Tzaneen local municipality mayor Gerson Molapisane is facing increasing pressure to step down, as the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in the Norman Mashabane region has formally joined calls for his resignation. This development comes just two weeks after both the Limpopo provincial ANC leadership and the regional party structure initiated similar demands.
The conflict centers on an ANC resolution for the mayor to vacate his office, which the party alleges is due to his failure to bankroll party events. Despite visits from provincial leadership, including a recent appearance by ANC provincial secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madadzhe at a special council sitting, Molapisane has maintained his position. He asserts that his appointment was made solely by the party’s national leadership at Luthuli House.
The mayor contends that he holds his position through an appointment by the ANC national leadership at Luthuli House, rather than regional or provincial structures, which has led to his continued defiance of local redeployment orders.
A Deepening Political Rift
The ANCYL in the Norman Mashabane region has characterized the mayor’s refusal to step down as “backward” and “shameful.” Regional spokesperson Thabo Malatji stated that the mayor’s actions represent a “direct attack on the principle of democratic centralism.”
“The ANC Youth League views this act as a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon the mayor by the movement,” Malatji said. He further warned that the mayor must submit to the organization’s decision or face disciplinary action, arguing that rejecting redeployment is equivalent to rejecting the party itself.
The situation in Greater Tzaneen highlights the friction between local government autonomy and the internal disciplinary mechanisms of a political party. When a leader cites a national mandate to resist regional or provincial directives, it creates a governance deadlock that often results in stalled service delivery and internal institutional instability.
Allegations and Next Steps
While the party leadership pursues his removal, allies of Mayor Molapisane argue that the resignation demands are a “witch-hunt.” According to an associate who requested anonymity, the mayor is being targeted because he refused to use municipal funds for party purposes, stating he “hates corruption with precision and distinction.”
The political stalemate is expected to reach a critical point soon. A previous motion of no confidence was ruled unprocedural, but a new attempt is likely to be heard at the next council sitting, scheduled for 29 May. ANC Limpopo spokesperson Tonny Rachoene confirmed that the provincial leadership is working to resolve the matter and has appealed for calm as these processes unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ANC calling for Mayor Molapisane’s resignation?
The provincial ANC leadership passed a resolution for the mayor to vacate office, alleging that he failed to bankroll ANC events.
What is the position of the ANC Youth League in this matter?
The ANCYL in the Norman Mashabane region has labeled the mayor’s conduct as “backward” and “shameful,” claiming his refusal to be redeployed undermines party discipline and democratic centralism.
What is the next step for the municipality?
A motion of no confidence is expected to be heard at the next council sitting, which is set for 29 May.
How do you believe local municipalities should balance national party mandates with the needs of their local constituents?