ANC Step Aside Rule Under Fire as Madibeng Councillor Campaigns Despite Serious Criminal Charges
The African National Congress’ (ANC) controversial step aside policy is once again under intense scrutiny after a ward councillor in Madibeng, North West, was allegedly seen openly campaigning under the party banner despite facing multiple serious criminal charges.
The unfolding situation in Ward 4 of the Madibeng sub region in Bojanala has sparked growing concern among residents, who say the continued public political activity undermines the very purpose of the ANC’s step aside rule, a policy introduced to protect the party’s integrity and restore public confidence.
Ward councillor John Ratele, who is currently subject to the ANC’s step aside rule, is facing charges of arson, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and theft.
Despite this, residents allege that he has continued mobilising communities while displaying ANC branding and party emblems during public engagements.
The allegations have fuelled fresh questions about whether the party is effectively enforcing one of its most significant internal accountability measures.
Community members have also raised concerns about what they describe as an atmosphere of intimidation.
Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim they fear retaliation and allege that the councillor behaves as though he is above both the ANC and the wider community.
According to residents, this has damaged confidence in the party’s ability to apply its own rules consistently.
Further allegations suggest that the councillor previously organised protests directed at the municipality, not to address service delivery concerns, but to advance internal political interests.
Residents claim the demonstrations were aimed at removing the current mayor and replacing the leadership with members aligned to his own political faction.
These claims have not been independently verified.
The controversy has intensified following the circulation of video clips among community members.
In the videos, the councillor is allegedly heard declaring that he intends to campaign against the ANC, despite continuing to use the party’s branding during public mobilisation efforts.
If accurate, the apparent contradiction has reignited debate over the effectiveness of the ANC’s step aside policy and whether it is being applied consistently across the organisation.
Political analysts have long argued that the success of the policy depends not only on its existence but also on its fair and transparent enforcement.
The developments in Madibeng have once again highlighted the difficult balance between party discipline, factional politics and public accountability in local government.
For residents caught in the middle, the uncertainty has deepened concerns about governance, political stability and the credibility of institutions meant to uphold ethical leadership.
Attempts to obtain comment from the ANC North West were unsuccessful.
Questions were sent to ANC North West spokesperson Tumelo Maruping, including via WhatsApp, but no response had been received by the time of publication.
