The much-talked-about presidential imbizo which started with engagements in various parts of the Free State leading up to the main event on Saturday turned into one-sided battle ground.
While residents from other town raised genuine concerns related to service delivery, unemployment, funding, and mining among others, though these issues are not knew especially water crises in Maluti-A-Phofung which dates back to 2016 things turned political when Paseka Nompondo, coordinator of the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) became a centre of attraction.
According to three independent sources within African National Congress (ANC) Nompondo’s name was mentioned on purpose to create a clout over his head as he holds a very crucial position and with him at the helm, a faction supporting president Ramaphosa’s second term stand no chance.
“This has been planned and staged to embarrass Paseka Nompondo as he is seen as Magashule person, remember how they did the same thing with former president during workers rally? The modus operandi is the same. The plan is to move him out of that office like they did with Ace so they can have their way.”
Asked why is Paseka blamed when he is office bearer not working at Mangaung Metro she said; “This whole things is not about Mangaung, its about political power, he has it and they want it.”
Nompondo was made IPC coordinator following the Supreme Court of Appeal judgement that set aside and declared the ANC conference unlawful which prompted the ANC to disband the Provincial Executive Committee and replaced it with the IPC after the National Working Committee tasked former president Kgalema Motlanthe with formation of renewal and unity project in Free State.
Mpho Mojanaga of Mangaung Service Delivery Forum alleged Nompondo and Patrick Monyakoane as the main architecs of the collapse of Mangaung Metro.
What is very strange is Mangaung Metro has been on in ICU for years and for politicians including president Ramaphosa to act shocked as if this is the first time they come to Free State its laughable.
On Friday we published an article in which we said Mangaung Metro dissolution, blood on Dukwana and Ntombela’s hands because the know they did nothing.
Mangaung Metro has been battling with number of issues including ghost workers who are reported to have cost the municipality over R22 million and its alleged they where brought by Dukwana.
Dukwana also interdicted the municipality at some point.
Another source said much as some residents spoke about issues that need attention but ANC politics took centre stage.
“Yes the city is dirty and must be cleaned, rubbish must be collected and clean water supplied but what we saw was very, more like ANC on ANC violence.”
He concluded by likening what’s happening in Mangaung to what happened in Mahikeng when Supra Mahumapelo, former premier was pushed out.
“They pulled the same stunt with Supra and guess where the imbizos start? They go for provinces that are seen as RET provincial. Durban and Pietermatitzburg are also dirty, watch the president say he is shocked that they are dirty.”
Step UP SA News has learned the most HODs contracted have expired and the remaining HODs will expire end of the month.
Mxolisi Dukwana, COGTA MEC and Paseka Nompondo, IPC coordinator could not be reached for comment.
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