This is why Rustenburg mayor’s ANC branch faces disqualification

ANC flags at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Despite her prominent standing as mayor of Rustenburg, ANC leader Shiela Mabale-Huma finds herself in an awkward position; her party branch is not in good standing and therefore faces imminent disqualification as a legitimate political structure under the ANC’s constitution. The ward 45 branch, to which Mabale-Huma belongs, has fewer than 100 members – the minimum threshold required for a properly constituted branch of the ANC.

It is understood thatANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalulais concerned about branches nationwide that no longer meet its constitutional requirements. Due to branches that had been flagged nationwide, including ward 45, Mabale-Huma’s branch and others cannot participate in ANC elective conferences at regional, provincial or national levels. However, she may still take part in party activities and meetings as an individual member, provided her membership is up to date.

Mabale-Huma, one of Rustenburg’s longest-serving councillors and a former speaker, is not alone in this predicament. MMC for corporate service at the neighbouring Bojanala district municipality, Thapelo Thobokoe, who shares the same branch, faces the same challenge. The pair must now recruit new members to reach the 100-member threshold needed to restore the branch’s status.

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Ward 45, once a reliable ANC stronghold, slipped from the party’s grasp when Jacob Zuma’s MK party took the seat in the 28 August 2024 by-election, ensuring the new party secured its first electoral win outside ofKwaZulu-Natal. The outcome gave MK’s Thabiso Molefe, who received 43% of the vote, a chance to represent the community of Photsaneng in the council. The symbolism was striking; the ward is home to the local mayor herself.

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