There’s growing speculation that the ANC’s upcoming special NEC meeting may turn its attention to the turmoil crippling municipalities in the North West. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the province, where he was confronted with the full extent of local government dysfunction.
According to insiders, the provincial executive committee (PEC) has been repeatedly interfering in the day-to-day running of municipalities. Even more worrying, struggling municipal managers are being shielded from accountability — protected by the very structures meant to uphold good governance.
The result is a culture of political protection that leaves ordinary people paying the price. Communities are left without reliable water, electricity, or waste collection, while underperforming officials are safeguarded for political convenience. Public trust in government continues to erode.
If the ANC’s NEC is truly committed to renewal, it cannot allow provincial structures to keep undermining municipalities. Bold and corrective action is needed — not only to stabilize governance in the North West, but also to send a clear message countrywide: incompetence and corruption will no longer be tolerated.
The ANC now stands at a crossroads. It can confront factional protection and restore credibility, or risk further alienating the citizens whose daily lives depend on accountable, effective local government.