The Free State ANC Youth League is standing firm behind their provincial chairperson, suspended Kopanong Mayor Xolani Tseletsele.

The Trompsburg-based mayor was suspended by the ANC this week after threatening a resident who complained on Facebook about potholes. Tseletsele has since apologised to Jagersfontein resident Kalebe Kalebe for threatening him in front of his family.

There’s a coordinated political plot against Tseletsele to ensure he doesn’t become a member of the Free State Legislature, said ANCYL Xhariep Deputy Regional Secretary, Kamohelo Seleke. “We aren’t surprised that this video resurfaced (just when) a provincial chairperson attended an interview to be an MEC.

“We’ve previously called for him to be an MEC to represent young people on the executive council to ensure their views are (heard). Now it shows that there’s a … coordinated political plot to ensure they discredit (our) provincial chairperson from ever becoming an MEC in this province.”

ANC Youth League in Xhariep has released a statement in support of Kopanong Mayor, Xolani Tseletsele. ANCYL Deputy Regional Secretary Kamohelo Seleke says this is a political attack. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/RP5IcaZpRM

— Aphumelele Mdlalane (@AphumeleleMdla2) November 21, 2023

On Tuesday (21/11), ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said Tseletsele was recalled as mayor pending a disciplinary process.

Kopanong, which included southern Free State towns such as Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith and Reddersburg, has been plagued by problems, including failure to pay staff salaries, poor governance, water restrictions due to nonpayment of debt and poor roads. The mine dam wall collapse at Jagersfontein a year ago added to its woes.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have condemned Tseletsele’s actions and attempted to open a case against the mayor after Kalebe refused to do so.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi Corné