By OBAKENG MAJE
The factional battle continues to rear its ugly head within the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in North West, much to the chagrin of many within the structure. The rehabilitation of the civic movement that once occupied a strategic position within the society, is now ‘far-fetched’ as the factional contestation continues.
At the latest turn of events, SANCO has suspended its provincial convenor, Paul Sebego and Packett Seaketso after accusing them of running parallel structures. In a letter, SANCO’s National Head of Communication, James Gadinabokao said they re-iterate the suspensions executed by SANCO’s National Coordinator, Mike Soko.
“We wish to acknowledge and officially announce that, as SANCO in the North West, we reaffirm the suspension of Sebego from his position as the convenor. This suspension stems from his conduct, which undermined the out-of-court settlement agreement that had been reached between the two SANCO factions.
“Sebego’s involvement in the establishment of a parallel structure has led to contentious decisions and confusion within the province. So, SANCO NW PICC hereby accepts the decisions made by the National Working Committee (NWC) and distances itself from any ill-discipline behaviour displayed by Sebego, in relation to the allegations presented before him.
“In light of these serious allegations Sebego, the NWC will initiate proceedings in accordance with the SANCO Constitution, specifically Rule 81(b), adhering to a fair disciplinary procedure as outlined in the Code of Conduct, Rule 78(i), and Rule 81(c) and (d),” he said.
Gadinabokao further said, they want to make it unequivocally clear that SANCO strongly condemns ill-discipline within the organisation and they hold it in the utmost disdain. He added that, no individual is above the organisation and all members are expected to adhere to the policies and the constitution.
“Our project of unity is paramount, ensuring the cohesiveness of SANCO within the province and across the nation. At all material times, SANCO will remain committed to its mission of Rebuilding, Renewing, and Uniting all her members,” said Gadinabokao.
However, Seaketso accused Soko of being a dictator. He alleged that, Soko visited the province on 29 August 2023 to engage with the SANCO’s provincial interim structure, but it appeared that, he expected a meeting to be a session, where he issued instructions that must not be questioned.
“In a shocking twist of events, Soko was questioned on a number of issues he raised in the meeting and this seemingly rubbed him the wrong way. When the meeting ended, he informed the current provincial convenor that, unilaterally, he was removing him, the Deputy Convenor, and the provincial spokesperson from the provincial structure and he would like them to serve in the national structure.
“It is clear that the provincial convenor is being targeted to be silenced and marginalised. Part of the strategy employed to marginalise him was to serve him with an ill-fated suspension letter, which is not recognised as it is a political ploy meant to destabilise SANCO,” he said.
Seaketso said the same SANCO leadership at the national, allowed an anomaly in the organisation, where in the province, they appointed a provincial coordinator who is also a provincial secretary of PSA, a trade union that has gained a reputation for bashing the ANC.
He said, the disturbing tendency of the national leadership of SANCO to be embroiled in the factional battles of the ANC, will not be left unchallenged as it is this divisive tendency that continues to injure the reputation of SANCO.
The Guardian 