ANC Provincial Chairperson Deshi Ngxanga revealed the restructuring following a period of self-reflection after the party’s dismal performance in the May elections.

“The decline in our support base necessitated action. We have consulted various structures and decided to deploy new leadership in these municipalities to enhance service delivery and governance.”

He said the party’s commitment to efficient and responsive governance, stating: “During our election campaign, we committed to building an administration that cares for the needs of the people. These changes reaffirm that promise.”

Key leadership changes include:

• Dawid Kruiper Municipality:
  David Kazi has been appointed mayor, replacing Michael Sigede, who will now serve in Parliament.
• Sol Plaatje Municipality:
  Kagisho Sonyoni, the former mayor, has been reassigned to the mayoral committee of the Frances Baard District Municipality. Barbara Bartlett replaces him, while Dipuo Peters has been appointed as Speaker. The current Speaker, Nomazizi Shwababa, has been redeployed to Sol Plaatje’s mayoral committee.

Sol Plaatje Municipality has faced persistent service delivery failures, including sewage spills and a water crisis due to ageing infrastructure, despite receiving R2 billion in national funding to address these challenges.

The ANC’s decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties. FF Plus Provincial Leader Wynand Boshoff described the restructuring as a “dramatic midnight announcement” that reflects the severity of the province’s service delivery crisis.

The ANC provincial chairperson revealed the restructured Northern Cape municipal leadership. Photo: Facebook

Boshoff also questioned the initial appointment of Sonyoni as Sol Plaatje’s mayor, stating that while his potential was evident, the role required more experience, especially given the municipality’s pressing issues. “Faction battles within the ANC in Sol Plaatje have long been detrimental to the council’s operations and could derail these plans in a secret vote,” he added.

Boshoff expressed surprise that Bentley Vass, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, remained in his position despite overseeing a term marked by illegal appointments and the collapse of infrastructure in several municipalities.

Ngxanga congratulated the new leadership and expressed confidence in their ability to steer the municipalities towards improved governance. He reiterated the ANC’s resolve to address critical issues, restore public trust, and strengthen its presence in local government.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg