By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
19 February 2025- The ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) in North West came out guns blazing in defence of suspended Tswaing Local Municipality mayor, Norah Mahlangu. This comes after the ANC in the province, placed Mahlangu on a month-long special leave pending investigation.
Last week, Mahlangu was seen in a scandalous nude video that went viral, where she was found to be in a compromising position. In the video, Mahlangu was seen taking off her bra and tights and playing with her punani.
The video was immensely shared across various social media platforms. This prompted the ANC in the province to suspend Mahlangu for putting the party into disrepute.
In the letter written to Mahlangu and seen by Taung DailyNews, the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said, on or about 12 February 2025, the organisation was provided with Mahlangu’s indecent social media video, whereby she was seen engaging in unethical and immoral conduct. Diremelo further said the conduct detracts from the character, values and integrity of the deployee of the ANC.
“You are further reminded that your immoral and indecent social media video, has the potential to bring the organisation into disrepute. Actually, the video has brought the organisation into disrepute after being circulated and seen by the members of the public.
“As a result of the above stated facts, you are hereby directed to take a special leave. This will allow the organisation to institute its own investigation regarding the circumstances leading to the leakage of the indecent and immoral social media video,” he said.
Diremelo added that the ANC expected to be furnished with special leave by the close of business on 14 February 2025. He said there are terms and conditions that will apply during the period of her special leave.
“This includes not reporting for duty or visiting the municipality premises unless being invited by the chief whip of the organisation to attend council sitting.
“If you need to remove any belongings, such to be done after the arrangements with the office of the chief whip. You are expected to fully cooperate with the organisation during the investigation of the matter,” said Diremelo.
He said Mahlangu is expected not to interfere with the investigations and or any potential witnesses. Diremelo said from time-to-time, she will be provided with the progress of the investigation.
“The investigation report and its recommendations will be made available to you upon the conclusion of the matter,” he said.
However, ANCWL PTT coordinator, Nombuyiselo Adoons said they will not leave this matter lying down. Adoons said Mhlangu is a victim here and she cannot be victimised.
“We wish to express our deepest concern regarding the recent victimization of Mahlangu, who found herself at the centre of a distressing situation following the unauthorized leaking of her private, intimate video by individuals once considered close friends.
“Such conduct is a blatant violation of her privacy and dignity, and constitutes a serious infringement on her rights. It is disheartening that, despite being the clear victim in this matter, Mahlangu has been instructed to take a special leave,” she said.
Adoons said they believe this decision not only undermines her position as mayor, but also perpetuates a harmful culture wherein victims of privacy violations are punished rather than supported. She said Mahlangu has already demonstrated good faith and accountability by submitting an apology to the ANC and to the community of Tswaing and the province.
“We call upon the ANC to treat this letter with the gravity it deserves and to recognise that Mahlangu’s actions and statements illustrate her commitment to the party and the community she serves.
“We therefore demand that the ANC withdraw its letter calling for Mahlangu’s special leave with immediate effect. We urge the organisation to stand firmly by its commitment to protect and empower women and to uphold the rights and dignity of its members,” said Adoons.
She said the leaking of private material without consent is a criminal act and must be addressed as such. Adoons said victims should be supported, not further traumatised through administrative or disciplinary measures.
“We stand in solidarity with Mahlangu and call on all relevant authorities and party
structures to take decisive steps against the perpetrators.
“We further request that the ANC institute clear protocols to support members, who fall victim to such invasions of privacy, ensuring that survivors are not isolated or re-victimised,” she said.
The Guardian 