By OBAKENG MAJE
10 November 2026 – Internal factionalism and persistent leadership disputes allegations have significantly undermined the newly-formed political party, Alliance For Social Equity (ASE), raising questions about its stability, cohesion and ability to establish itself as a credible political force. This comes after the party experienced high-profile leadership exits.
Bakang Mankuroane who was contesting Local Government Elections (LGEs) as Proportional Representation (PR) councillor, abruptly resigned from the party barely a few days after LGEs. It is alleged that Mankuroane’s unexpected exit from ASE was caused by deep divisions within its leadership.
One of the ASE members who refused to be named due to reprisal said: “Hey my brother, I really do not know what is happening. Remember, ASE has won only one seat during these elections. Now, our president, Lesego Lencwe wanted to occupy that seat, however, the majority of individuals were against it.
“We had an agreement with Tebogo Mokoena that he contest elections for ASE. However, he agreed to do that under one condition that, if he wins a ward for ASE, he will be deployed as a PR councillor. Now, Mokoena did not win a ward for us. Some members agreed that Mokoena must fill in ASE’s PR councillor seat nevertheless and Mankuroane questioned that.”
Our source said: “To make the matter worse, Mokoena alleged that he will vote with the ANC and get a Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure position. So, Mankuroane raised this matter with the leadership, questioning the reason behind the formation of ASE as it was to dethrone ANC from power.
“However, he was ignored. Also, Mankuroane wanted to be deployed as PR councillor, instead of Mokoena. But the leadership was vehemently against it and he was told that even though Mokoena did not win a ward, he brought in most votes for ASE.”
“Now, that created internal divisions and leadership disputes. To be honest, many people like Mankuroane and his departure has dealt us a significant blow. The leadership agreed to part ways with him. Again, there are ongoing leadership wrangles that have threatened the stability of ASE.”
Our source said: You will remember that during elections, there was some confusion over the appearance of ASE in three ballot papers. We only found out at the later stage that ASE was not registered to contest elections in the district. Behind the party’s formation lies a growing internal crisis, as factionalism and leadership disputes threaten to undermine its organisational structures and political future.
“I just wonder what the funder saying now. This was not our intention.”
While it seems the newly-formed political party is already facing an uphill battle with internal factionalism and leadership disputes threatening to derail its political ambitions, Mankuroane refused to be drawn into the battle. He said he is not at liberty to disclose his reasons for departure until ASE leadership speaks openly about his exit.
Meanwhile, ASE president, Lesego Lencwe refuted these allegations.
“Devoid of truth, thanks”
Picture: ASE logo
