The African National Congress (ANC) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda region of the North West has officially expelled five councillors from the Maquassie Hills Local Municipality, including Executive Mayor Mzwandile Feliti. The decision, announced on 26 June 2026, marks a significant escalation in efforts by the party to enforce internal discipline ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
Disciplinary Charges And Party Response
The expelled members—Mzwandile Feliti, Kgotso Leshomo, David Modisadife, Lebogang Medupe, and Robert Mosholi—were found guilty of six charges of gross misconduct. According to the party leadership, these individuals consistently defied organisational instructions, improperly removed the ANC Speaker, signed unauthorised petitions, and convened illegal council meetings.
“Remember, there is a history behind this behaviour. It was not happening for the first time. They have consistently been defying the organisation, and they displayed unbecoming behaviour which amounts to gross misconduct,” said Zanele Mphafudi, ANC Regional Deputy Chairperson and RDC Chairperson, during a recent briefing.
Mphafudi emphasised that the disciplinary intervention was essential for governance, stating that ill-discipline must be addressed regardless of political timing because communities suffer when officials abuse their positions. The five affected councillors have reportedly disputed the expulsion, labelling the announcement as premature and asserting that they have lodged formal appeals to challenge the decision.
Broader Political Implications In The North West
This expulsion occurs within a volatile political climate, as parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections. Because the cutoff date for by-elections has passed, the ward vacancies resulting from these expulsions are expected to remain unfilled until the local government polls.
The ANC has seen a series of similar internal disputes across municipalities, including recent disciplinary actions in Mamusa and Mangaung. Party leadership maintains that these measures are necessary to uphold policy compliance and restore public trust in municipal services. The next development is expected as the party processes the formal appeals while managing the vacuum in municipal leadership.