North West Provincial Government partners with GCIS to improve govt communication  

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Picture: The deputy president in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi with delegates

By OBAKENG MAJE

5 March 2026- The deputy minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong and delegates from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Media Development Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Brand SA, engaged the North West Executive Council on the coordination of government communication, nation branding and community media support in the North West. Morolong said the main reason for their engagement was to socialise the provincial executive council on the government communications policy, which was recently adopted by the cabinet.

He further said the government communications policy, set out rules, procedures and processes for government communications. Morolong added that they had a quite involved discussion with the provincial executive council on how best they can improve communication at a strategic function of a fictional government.

“The province has also engaged the GCIS on its mandate and some of the communication challenges that had besieged the province for quite some time. However, we have been able to respond to them and we have identified the areas of collaboration.

“The second discussion was on MDDA and its attended mandate, which is to support small and commercial media. Our discussion is centered around the need for MDDA to continue to be consistent with its mandate to capitalise small and commercial media and we were particularly focused on the North West,” he said.

Morolong said he reminded the provincial executive council that, not so long ago, they had a workshop with MDDA and community media, which was aimed at sensitising community media about requirements for funding. He said they have received information from the MDDA regarding the number of community media projects that have been funded and are able to give a sense of where they are within the North West and which projects are potentially being able to fund.

“We have yet to formally communicate with those who have been successful on their applications. We also had a discussion with Brand SA, which is one of our entities responsible for the promotion of the nation’s brand.

“They have been able to reflect on the brand. The Brand SA has got responsibility to be a marketing agency of South Africa. It also has the responsibility to ensure that South Africa, as a brand, is admired globally,” said Morolong.

He said it also has a responsibility to make sure that South Africa is seen as a brand that is globally competitive. Morolong said they had a fruitful discussion about the mandate of these entities together with the GCIS.

“We looking forward to the future engagement. What came out of this discussion is that, we should have a provincial communicators’ forum to socialise communication on the discussion that have ensued on the concerns that have been raised by the executive council and how we have been able to go about delving into possible way and solutions to respond to some of the questions that have been raised in our discussions with the executive,” he said.

The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said: “Indeed as a province, we are very excited to have hosted you today from GCIS and its entities. We had a conversation and they highlighted that this is what the cabinet had reviewed regarding communications strategy.

“Now, the government at a national level is responsible to craft policies and us as provinces, our responsibilities are to implement. When these reviews are done, we take communications and put it in the strategic planning on how we communicate with our people.”

Mokgosi said there is a general belief that the government is doing a lot, but communicating less, if not at all. He said hence generally have surveys and perceptions that there is a mood of people not happy with government works.

“When we evaluate at a factual point, you will realise that the government is doing very well. Now, part of the discussion today is how do we possess communication in the three spheres of government at the centre of communicating to our people.

“The service delivery without shying away on limitations and weaknesses that the government will have. Our responsibility is to tell people what the government does. Also, it is important on how we integrate South Africa because as a province, for instance, we go abroad trying to market the province but the reality is as you market the province, the brand must be well packaged,” said Mokgosi.  

He said they must ensure that the brand is well-resourced and has tools of trade. He said the province will be hosting an investment conference job summit. Mokgosi said the Brand South Africa must be able to come in and assist.

Meanwhile, the MDDA CEO, Shoeshoe Qhu said there are media houses funded in the North West and funding does not have favoritism. Qhu said there is a criterion the agency follows.

“We did come to the province and went through that process that led to the funding. In total, we have a budget of R49 million to fund community media and this is funds we transfer to community media.

“Additionally, we have non-financial support which includes capacity building initiatives to help community media and publishers to manage the resources and their projects to be sustainable,” she said.

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North West accelerates economic growth, job creation and investment drive

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reiterated the government’s bold commitment to inclusive economic growth, investment attraction, tourism expansion and sustainable job creation during his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA).

Delivering the address at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng, Mokgosi emphasised that the government remains resolute in tackling socio-economic challenges and ensuring that the gains of democracy translate into real opportunities for all citizens. Demonstrating tangible progress, Mokgosi informed the provincial legislature that the province created 78 000 jobs in the last two quarters of 2025, resulting in a 6.2% decline in official unemployment, which is the largest decrease recorded nationally during that period.

“This milestone reflects the successful implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), positioning the North West as a competitive and attractive investment destination.

“To strengthen local economic infrastructure and advance environmental sustainability, the Premier has directed the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism to intensify targeted support to municipalities, particularly Ditsobotla and City of Matlosana,” he said.

In a concerted effort to unlock tourism potential in the province, Mokgosi emphasised key infrastructure initiatives which include the reactivation of Pilanesberg International Airport in partnership with Infrastructure South Africa. He further said this project is expected to boost tourism and stimulate commercial activity in major hubs such as Sun City Resort and Pilanesberg National Park.

“The R150 million Majakaneng to Sun City Road project will further improve access and strengthen tourism infrastructure. To drive industrialisation and large-scale investment, the province will revitalise and officially license the Bojanala Special Economic Zone in the 2026/27 financial year.

“Supported by R12 billion in investments, the SEZ is projected to create 12 000 additional jobs and unlock opportunities across diverse economic sectors. International economic cooperation is also being deepened with strategic partners including Botswana, Namibia and People’s Republic of China, particularly along the Trans-Kalahari Economic Corridor, to promote trade, skills development and investment flows,” added Mokgosi.

He said a comprehensive turnaround strategy is also being implemented in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to restore the financial sustainability of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) and strengthen its investment facilitation capacity. Mokgosi said in advancing environmental sustainability and rural economic inclusion, the government has launched the commercialisation of fourteen provincial nature reserves, securing investment commitments of approximately R420 million.

“This initiative is set to create jobs, stimulate enterprise development and ensure that rural communities, landowners and traditional authorities benefit meaningfully from the province’s natural resources.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to build a province free from poverty, inequality and unemployment, and to create opportunities that improve the lives of our people,” he concluded.

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Two suspects nabbed for possession of drugs  

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Picture: Drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

4 March 2026- The multi-disciplinary Frances Baard Illicit Mining Task Team apprehended two suspects for possession of drugs and armed robbery respectively at Dingaan Hostels in Galeshewe Township, near Kimberley on 2 March 2026. The police were conducting vehicle patrols and high visibility patrols in the Galeshewe and Kimberley precincts when the team received information regarding a wanted suspect, who was reportedly hiding at the Dingaan Hostels.

 The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said the police acted swiftly and the information was subsequently operationalised. Shemane said the police tactically approached the identified premises, where the suspect was last seen.

 “As the team observed a man throwing an object underneath a vehicle. Upon further investigation a transparent plastic bag containing mandrax tablets was recovered. An additional thorough search led to the discovery of another two transparent plastic bags containing suspected mandrax hidden inside the vehicle.

“The police seized the drugs with an estimated value of R 24 000, as well as a White Toyota Tazz that was allegedly utilized during the commission of a crime. A suspect (46) was arrested for possession of drugs. A second suspect (44), who is wanted in connection with armed robbery was arrested,” he said.

Shemane said the Frances Baard District Illicit Mining Task Team remains committed in the eradication of drugs within the district, and efforts will be bolstered.

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EFF councillor suspended for soliciting ‘sexual’ favours from rape victim  

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Picture: EFF councillor in Klerksdorp, Lesole Malefo/Facebook 

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 March 2026- The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the North West has suspended its councillor, Lesole Malefo after allegedly requesting sexual favours from the rape victim (18). This comes after a young woman alleges in a circulating video that, she was raped by a man known as “Black Cat.”

According to the victim, the matter was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on or about 10 February 2026, yet to date the suspect has not been apprehended. The rape victim alleges that she approached Malefo for assistance, who in turn solicited sexual favours from her.

The EFF provincial secretary, Papiki Babuile said they treat these allegations with the utmost seriousness. Babuile said they have instituted internal disciplinary processes and placed Malefo on suspension pending investigations.

“The delay in arresting the alleged perpetrator raises serious concerns about the handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases within the province and the protection afforded to victims. The EFF strongly condemns the alleged conduct of the police and the injustice suffered by the victim, particularly the disturbing claim that she was told to search for the suspect herself.

“Such conduct, if true, represents a gross dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the constitutional mandate to protect vulnerable members of society. The EFF delegation met with the family to offer support and reaffirmed its uncompromising stance against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and any form of exploitation of vulnerable women,” he said.

Bauile further said justice must prevail and all institutions entrusted with public confidence must act decisively and lawfully.

The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng said: “Yesterday, I learnt through social media platform regarding the unfortunate incident involving a young lady that was alleged raped by a thug by the name of Black Cat.

“The incident that compelled me to leave everything was because I was at the legislature when I learnt of the video. I rushed to the police station to understand what was happening because the historical background is that the incident happened around January 2026, however, no arrests were made and there was no progress.”

Morweng said he had to respond as the community leader and as the North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management. He added that they interacted with the SAPS Management in the Kenneth Kaunda District and managed to get the background of the case.

“So, I can confirm that the case is still on the roll and the docket is still active. However, the suspect is still at large, but the police are working tirelessly to ensure that they arrest him. We can confirm that we have provided assistance to the family through psycho-social support.

“I interacted with the North West MEC for Social Development, Sussana Dantjie. Dantjie has sent a team to the family so that we can provide necessary counselling to the family during this difficult and trying time. We would also like to applaud the bravery of the victim for speaking out,” said Morweng. 

“I have raised that sharply with the SAPS Management and I have issued an instruction to the investigating officer must be investigated and consequence management must be effected. Sometimes our police are very clumsy. You cannot tell the victim to go and look for the suspect herself. It is disingenuous and lacks morality. You are saying to the victim to go and be raped again or get killed,” he said. 

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Motsumi apologises for her ‘vile’ remarks against North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

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Picture: The North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi

By OBAKENG MAJE

4 March 2026- The North West MEC for Education and ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary, Viola Motsumi has sincerely apologized to the ANC and the people at large. This comes after Motsumi was allegedly heard making remarks against ANC Deputy Provincial Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi in a conversation with the Deputy Speaker of North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine during the recorded State of the Province Address (SOPA) proceedings in the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL) in Mahikeng on Thursday last week.

According to the video making the rounds on various social media platforms, Motsumi was heard displaying her hatred towards Mokgosi among others.

However, she confirmed to The Guardian Newspaper that she has written an apology letter to the ANC Provincial Secretary, Louis Diremelo apologizing to the ANC and the people at large.

“I wish to apologise to the African National Congress, the government, the people of the North West and the country as a whole for the unfortunate remarks I made during the State of the Province Address (SOPA). My comments were ill-considered and do not reflect the unity, discipline, and collective spirit for which the ANC stands.

“I deeply regret any harm or discomfort my words may have caused to members of the ANC, the government, and the broader community. I reaffirm my full commitment to the principles of unity, renewal, and service to our people. Going forward, I will endeavour to contribute positively toward strengthening the organisation and advancing the collective interests of the ANC and the people it serves,” she said in a letter.

Motsumi further said her actions and remarks were made in a moment of anger and frustration. She added that she allowed emotion to guide her response, instead of exercising the calm judgment and thoughtful reflection expected of her.

“Upon reflection, I recognise that my conduct was inappropriate and hurtful, and I sincerely regret allowing my emotions to overshadow my respect for the ANC and the people we serve. It was never my intention to cause pain or disappointment. I accept full responsibility for my behaviour and offer my unreserved apology.

“I am committed to conducting myself with greater maturity, discipline, and respect in the future,” said Motsumi.

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Masepala o mogolwane wa Taung o solofetswe go tlhopa meiyara o montsha

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Ka OBAKENG MAJE

4 Mopitlwe 2026- Khansele ya masepala o mogolwane wa Taung e solofetswe go tlhopa meiyera o motsha mo letsatsing la gompieno. Khansele ya masepala e solofetswe go tsenela kopano e kgethegileng go ya ka Section 29 (1) of the Local Government Municipal Structure Act No 117 of 1998, kwa ntlo-lehalahala la morafe (Depot Hall) mo letsatsing la gompieno kwa Taung ka ura ya lesome kwa go solofetsweng go ka tlhopiwa ga meiyara o montsha magareng ga tse dingwe.

Go begwa fa meiyara wa ga jaana, Thandiwe Sebe, e ne e le wa nama-o-sa-tshwere morago ga gore lekoko la ANC mono porofenseng, le romele maina a le mararo kwa ntlo-kgolo ya lone kwa Luthuli House kwa Johannesburg, Gauteng, go ka tsenela diteko tsa go tlhopiwa jaaka meiyara. Go begwa fa maina a le mararo a rometsweng kwa ntlo-kgolo ya ANC kwa Johannesburg, Gauteng go seka-sekiwa ele la molekgotlha Mosetsanagape Mosinkiemang yo a ikarabelang ka ditiro tsa baagi (Community Services) mo komiting ya ga meiyara, molekgotlha Nonteto Tafani yo a ikarabelang ka ditirelo tsa kgwebo (Cooperate Service) go komiti ya ga meiyara, le molekgotlha Itumeleng Maribe yo a ikarabelang ka tsa mafaratlhatlha (Technical Services and Infrastructure) go komiti ya ga meiyara.

Jaanong, modula-setilo wa lekoko la ANC mono porofenseng, Nono Maloyi, o boleletse The Guardian Newspaper fa ba setse ba konoseditse diteko tseo tsa go tlhopiwa ga meiyara kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung le wa kwa Kagisano-Molopo kwa Ganyesa.

“O tla tlhaloganya gore pele ga re ka tsenya tirisong toga-maano ya rona, re tshwanetse gore re emele lefoko go tswa kwa kantorong ya Mokwaledi-Kakaretso, Fikile Mbalula. Jaanong, tshwetso ya go thapa meiyara o montsha kwa masepaleng o mogolwane wa Taung le wa Kagisano-Molopo kwa Ganyesa, e lobaka e konoseditswe.

“Re ntse re emetse lefoko fela go tswa kwa go Mbalula pele ga re ka tsenya tirisong ditshwetso tseo,” Maloyi.

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Morweng meets with family of rape victim

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Picture: The North West MEC for Community of Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

3 March 2026- The North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng met with senior police officers in Klerksdorp following the outcry from the rape victim. This comes after a woman (18) from Jakaranda Township, near Alabama in Klerksdorp, went on social media to raise her frustration on what she deemed as slow pace on investigation of her rape case.

Morweng said according to the police, the incident occurred on 26 January 2026, and the case was opened at Klerksdorp Police Station. He further said immediately after the meeting with the senior officers, he visited the family.

“During my visit, I assured the family that the police will work 24 hours to make sure that the suspect is arrested. I also requested the police to keep watch on the family so that the victim is not harmed or intimidated as the perpetrator is still on the streets,” added Morweng.

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North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi highlights key road infrastructure priorities

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Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi  

By OBAKENG MAJE

3 March 2026- The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi has reaffirmed government’s commitment to advancing infrastructure development and improving service delivery. Mokgosi, who delivered the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the official opening of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), outlined a range of priority projects scheduled for implementation in the 2026/2027 financial year.

He further announced that the North West Department of Public Works and Roads will work in partnership with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) to strengthen waste management and road maintenance initiatives. Mokgosi added that, this collaborative approach forms part of government’s broader drive to ensure a clean, safe and healthy environment for residents across the North West.

“Road infrastructure development is gaining significant traction with more than R1 billion earmarked for catalytic projects in Phelindaba, Makwassie, Verdwaal and Ramokokastad. These targeted investments are intended to stimulate local economies, improve mobility and restore connectivity within communities.

“We have prioritised the upgrading of Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng, allocating over R700 million for the project. The work will include widening the existing bridge to serve as a carriageway, with construction expected to commence in April 2026,” he said.

Mokgosi said construction will also resume in the new financial year in Dwarsberg and Pitse Disulejang in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, Komkruil, as well as along the Lebotlwane-to-Tlholwe route in Moretele Local Municipality. He said these roads were severely damaged by floods, disrupting access for learners, workers and surrounding communities.

“Their rehabilitation reflects government’s continued commitment to restoring critical infrastructure and ensuring reliable access to essential services. In addition, we announced a Public-Private Partnership initiative aimed at eliminating potholes across the province while tackling youth unemployment.

“The provincial government is finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central University of Technology (CUT), to roll out pothole repair programmes in our municipalities, with a focus on empowering 7 000 unemployed young people,” he said.

Furthermore, Mokgosi committed the North West Department of Public Works and Roads to providing asphalt for designated municipalities to fast-track project delivery. He said this intervention will enhance alignment across national, provincial and municipal road networks, expand access to economic opportunities and improve mobility for residents throughout the province.

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Joint cross-border operations yield results

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Picture: The police conducting cross-border operations/Supplied  

By BAKANG MOKOTO

2 March 2026- The police in the Northern Cape in collaboration with their Namibian counterparts, conducted joint cross-border operations between South Africa and Namibia from 26 February to 1 March 2026. The police said several external stakeholders from the South African side participated in the operations, including Customs DDU, Customs/SARS, Department of Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation and South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said the Border Management Authority and Traffic Department were also part of the operations. Litabe said the coordinated operations included patrols along the borderline in both countries, the establishment of vehicle control points, searches of vehicles and persons, farm visits, as well as the inspection and verification of travel and other required documentation of persons entering and departing both countries.

Litabe said as a result of these operations, four men were arrested in Vioolsdrift for being illegally present in South Africa.

“In addition, nine fines were issued for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act, and one warrant of arrest was executed, which resulted in the payment of an outstanding traffic-related fine.

“The joint teams also confiscated illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of R90 000. Furthermore, four individuals were declared undesirable for overstaying in South Africa,” he said.

Upon being informed of the outcomes of the operations, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended all members and stakeholders involved for their dedication and hard work in ensuring border security and law enforcement.

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SANCO warns against factionalism and internal conflict ahead of ANC elective conference in North West

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Picture: North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi

By OBAKENG MAJE

2 March 2026 – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West has expressed grave concern regarding the audio clip circulating in the public domain, which allegedly captured gossip and divisive conduct involving the North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, together with the Deputy Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature (NWPL), Collen Maine.SANCO said it is widely understood that as political parties approach elective conferences, leadership contests often become factional, with some individuals resorting to discrediting opponents in pursuit of positions within executive structures.

SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said in such instances, personal ambition is placed above the interests of the organisation, sometimes resulting in the mobilisation of support for leaders, who may lack the necessary competence, but who are elevated due to factional victories and subsequently deployed into government. Jam said these unhealthy political practices are beginning to manifest within the ANC in the North West as it moves closer to its provincial elective conference.

“SANCO is deeply disappointed by the conduct of certain ANC leaders in the lead-up to this critical gathering. Recent public developments during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) have revealed the extent to which internal factional battles have shaped how members of the same political party speak about one another.

“It has now become evident to the people of the North West that ANC leaders who publicly preach unity and renewal hold deeply opposing views behind the scenes. The reported utterances by Motsumi concerning her Deputy Chairperson and North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi raise serious concerns. Such statements, emerging from the livestream of SOPA, appear not merely factional, but explicitly hostile toward Mokgosi,” he said.

Jam further said this behaviour reflects a troubling pattern of internal sabotage within ANC leadership ranks and raises doubts about the movement’s commitment to its renewal agenda. He added that one cannot help, but wonder what message this sends to communities about the state of ANC leadership.

“The people of the North West deserve leaders who rise above personal grudges and factional battles. Hostility directed at Mokgosi or any elected leader eventually leads to weakened governance and undermines service delivery.

“It is deeply concerning when such attitudes appear to emanate from within the ranks of the ANC itself, particularly from a member of the provincial executive, when it is centered around the Premier. This is reckless and dangerous. It undermines organisational cohesion and sends a damaging message to communities who expect stability, maturity, and discipline from their leaders,” said Jam.

He said unity cannot be selective. Jam said one cannot profess loyalty to the movement while simultaneously fueling divisions against its democratically elected leadership.

“The Premier was entrusted with his responsibilities through established organisational processes and any grievances must be addressed through proper internal structures, not through gossip.

SANCO is further concerned that ANC deployee, North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, took his employer and superior, Mokgosi to court over governance disputes that could have been

resolved internally, thereby risking the unnecessary use of public funds.

“This is one of many incidents that demonstrate that the ANC’s renewal project is merely a fallacy, while the organisation itself continues to bleed. As SANCO and the community of the North West, we are aware and witnessing a serious factional effort in the ANC aimed at discrediting the Premier, as seen and echoed in the Ad Hoc committee established to investigate allegations that Mokgosi interfered with the appointment of Municipal Manager, Modisenyane Segapo at Naledi Local Municipality a matter that could have been addressed internally,” he said.

Jam said the resort to legal processes to settle internal governance matters signals a troubling erosion of cohesion and suggests that the contestation for political power within the ANC is taking precedence over stability and effective service delivery. He said this raises serious concerns about whether the centre is holding in the ANC.

“SANCO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity within the ANC and safeguarding the integrity of our liberation movement.

“We call on all comrades to prioritise organisational discipline over personal vendettas and to recognise that internal division serves only to weaken the movement. History teaches us that unity builds, while division destroys,” said Jam.

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