Thanduxolo Khalipha, convicted of assaulting his bodyguard last year, faces calls for removal from some party factions, while others support his return despite ongoing service delivery issues.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media in Bloemfontein on Monday (10/3) following a national working committee visit to the Free State. He confirmed the matter is being reviewed at national level, and provincial leaders will be guided on the next steps.

The suspended Matjhabeng Mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, attending the meeting led by the ANC NWC. Photo: Facebook

While Khalipha’s conviction is known, the ANC must follow due process as per its constitution and legal frameworks, Mbalula said. “The ANC has a clear position: before the PEC or anyone removes a mayor, there must be valid reasons. We must consider both the ANC’s constitution and national law before concluding on this matter.”

He noted growing mobilisation against Khalipha and stressed the need to assess its origins before making decisions. “We need to analyse where this push is coming from. The matter will be resolved as soon as possible.”

Mbalula urged ANC members to stop mobilising against Khalipha and assured them a principled resolution would be reached. 

He praised the Free State’s ANC leadership under Mxolisi Dukwana for their role in securing 51% of the provincial vote in the last election, despite past corruption scandals linked to the province, including the asbestos and dairy farm cases.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg