Picture: The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By OBAKENG MAJE
5 September 2025- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi who is also the ANC deputy provincial chairperson, is alleged to be taking legal action against his detractors as ANC factional battles within the party play out.
This comes after explosive WhatsApp messages making rounds on various social media platforms alleging that he interfered with the appointment processes of the Municipal Manager of Naledi Local Municipality, Modisenyane Segapo by fabricating some evidence.
According to WhatsApp messages that depict and suggest Thabo Appolus’ as the author, alleged that Mokgosi and other three people met with Appolus to fabricate evidence on Segapo’s appointment. Currently, Appolus and others are challenging Segapo’s appointment in court and the matter is now with the Supreme of Appeal Court as the municipality challenged the outcome of the verdict that was in the applicants favour.
The WhatsApp messages read: “Good morning comrade Lazzy, today is 2 April 20225, three years later since you drove from Vryburg to pay me a visit like Nicodemus of the old. While Nicodemus meeting with Jesus Kreste in the middle of the night, your meeting on the day with me catered for three more people, Doreen Mariri, Aobakwe Mathontshi and Boy Sejake.
“Cde Premier, I wish you to know it is with much pain that I write you the reflections of that meeting on the 02nd April 2023. The pain is caused by the fact that you brought me a letter that spoke about Modisenyane Segapo, and this you made clear must never leak because even the then MEC of Cogta, Cde Nono Maloyi does not know about it.”
“Yes, as per your instructionI worked on that letter. Between you and me, of course with those 3 other persons, you have misled Cde Nono Maloyi as the MEC of Cogta hence Naledi is where it is today.
“Fast forward, on the dawn of March2025 you linked up with the EFF Senior Politician and called my lawyer with the intent to have my case jeopardized because of your wish to lure Segapo. To this end I will caution you Premier Lazy Mokgosi, you’re treading on thin ice. Let me bring this to your attention, the case of Segapo will be resolved not as per your wish to further cause confusion and divisions in the NorthWest Province.”
“In fact, as a revolutionary I am duty bound to defend Segapo against you AND that’s what is now going to happen. Kgale o betsa ke thiba, jaanong o thibe.
“Like Martin of old, what is about to happen to me I do not know, and I care less to know. But as the 1946 Youth League informed President General Alfred Xuma, I wish to inform you, you’re not going to be the next ANC Provincial Chairperson. Stay tuned.”
As chickens might be coming home to roost, Mokgosi spokesperson, Sello Tatai said: “Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has taken note of the allegations made by the Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality, councillor Groep. Mokgosi won’t comment further on this matter as it is sub-judice.”
Appolus could not be reached for comment as he did not respond to our messages and calls to confirm the eligibility of the WhatsApp messages.
Meanwhile, in the letter written by Professor of African Politics and International Relations, University of Pretoria, Christopher Isike with headlines: Factionalism and corruption could kill the ANC – unless it kills both first and published on May 12, 2019 12.39pm SAST said, the ANC suffers from all these anti-progress traits and must engage them head-on. Isike said this is because the regimental (command-and-obey) culture that drives liberation movements, fosters leadership arrogance, authoritarianism and corruption.
“It also stifles innovation, especially from youth. Growing disenchantment with the government of a ruling party over recurring high levels of corruption represents another reason for the loss of the hegemony,” he said.
The Guardian 