BY REGINALD KANYANE

THE Ramotshere Moiloa mayor, Afrika Thale was suspended with immediate effect by Mkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association in North West. The MKMWA said during press conference in Ventersdorp on Wednesday. Chairperson for the association, Leon Mkhabela said: “We are resolute in suspending comrade Afrika Thale with immediate effect. Thale failed to display the discipline expected from MKMVA members. He refused to take orders from the leadership of ANC after asked to step down from his position as mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa.

“We regard his action as distasteful thus bringing both the ANC and MKMVA to disrepute. He also resorted in using unemployed members of MKMVA as his protectors. We view that act as a physical fight and plot against the decision of the provincial leadership of the ANC. The association also noted with dismay towards Thale’s conduct in the media. He continued to embarrass and defy the ANC in the media and we view his conducts as anti-ANC.”

Meanwhile, the Provincial Executive Committee spokesperson, Bridgette Seokamo said Thale is amongst ANC members who were ordered to appear before the party’s disciplinary hearing.

“We can confirm that comrade Africa Thale is amongst 14 ANC members who are expected to appear before our disciplinary hearing,” Seokamo said.

However Thale said he has not received any suspension letter from both organizations. He said MKMVA provincial chairperson; Leon Mkhabela did not have any mandate to suspend any member.

“I have not received any suspension letter either from ANC or MKMVA. Mkhabela has no right to suspend any member. I am the treasurer for the MKMVA and he is the chairperson in the province. The decision was not collective as the secretary and deputy chairperson was not there. I will never allow to be bullied by opportunists like Mkhabela. We need to follow the rules and regulations of the organisation. How do you suspend a member without any disciplinary case?,”

-TDN

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