Setai forces ANC to defend her porridge

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State has released a media statement defending Free State Premier Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae.

This follows two articles by Central News and Insider Chronicle reporting that four regions within the party are pushing for the Premier to step down.

STEPUPSANEWS can confirm that the statement released by the ANC on Wednesday, 10 February 2025, rebutting the articles, was drafted after Free State Provincial Government spokesperson Millicent Setai confronted ANC provincial spokesperson Thabo Meeko over the matter.

Leaked WhatsApp messages
In WhatsApp exchanges seen by this publication, Setai initiated contact with Meeko, referencing ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

“Cde Somlomo… National Spokesperson is asking why is the DCIP in FS not rebutting this factional journalism… HQ says we are in an election year, we must be agile in our defence of the ANC and its leaders not to allow media or pseudo media houses to drive a wedge amongst our leaders… unfortunately I’m in the Administration, this is yr turf as the Spokesperson on the side of the party.”

Meeko responded by advising that Bhengu engage directly with the provincial structure.

“There are many and for all those we consult with leadership. There are times when we are discouraged.

We request Cde Mahlengi to engage Free State DCIP if there are either instructions or guidance by National DCIP.

Advice will be processed.”

Setai replied that she would convey the message but pressed further:

“Cde Somlomo… so are you saying as the ANC in the Free State we are going to allow these two tabloids ‘Insider Chronicle and Central News’ whose agenda is very clear to discredit our movement and its leadership and make a mockery of the ANC’s renewal commitment in such a crucial year of elections?”

Meeko again suggested that Bhengu contact the province directly and referenced comments by Khotso Morapela.

“Cde Kgotso speaks on behalf of the ANC after you told me Cde Mahlengi raises concerns. She has my contacts. Tell her to call the Province.”

At this point, Setai accused Meeko of being disingenuous.

“Grand Rising Cde Somlomo… I really think you are being disingenuous… The role of the National Spokesperson is to protect the image, reputation and integrity of the ANC… the NGC, January 8 Statement and ANC Lekgotla have made it very clear that we either renew or perish… I wish this energy you are displaying can be directed at defending the FS ANC.”

Escalation to Provincial Secretary
When Meeko did not issue a statement immediately, Setai escalated the matter to ANC Free State Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneng according to insiders at Premier’s office.

Media relations questioned
Observers note that Motsoeneng recently hosted members of the media in his office to strengthen working relations, yet insiders say he referred to media reports by Central News and Insider Chronicle as “nonsense”.

This is not the first time he has publicly criticised media houses before later engaging with them.

Critics argue that the ANC’s image challenges stem not from media scrutiny but from internal conduct and governance issues.

Empire is naked
To show that Premier who Setai is doing her best to portray as being “targeted” because they are supposedly “closing taps” is not only reckless but under her watch FSPG is making way too many errors.

• In June 2025, a convicted fraudster sentenced to 8 years in behind bars in 2013 was appointed CEO of Senirita Nhlabathi. This is the same hospital that gave a child expired drips.

• There is also a coal tender that we are investing where the most busiest CFO in FSPG was hand picked to chair the Bid Adjudicating Cimmittee.

• New Beggining Project is still NOT blacklisted.

• Every other FSPG employees implicated in criminal cases has been moved to different department or position except Tholang Mosianedi who is facing fraud and corruption charges. A service provider has already been convicted.

While Mathae to those benefitting from her is the most powerful person, in Free State, she must look no further than John Blok and Ace Magashule. They fell on their swords.

We will be there when her wall collapses and for Setai, if she really wants us to stoop low and be “tabloids” we can easily do that, we will start with her texts before she joined FSPG. We have them, lots of them.

With elections approaching, political analysts warn that public spats and visible internal tensions may cost the party support, effectively handing voters to opposition parties.

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