07/08/2026
THE CONSTITUTION HAS PREVAILED: THE ARROGANCE OF POWER AND POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING HAVE BEEN DEFEATED IN NGWATHE
07 August 2026
The ANCYL Fezile Dabi RTT welcomes the decision of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) rejecting the defective dissolution of the ANC-led Ngwathe Local Municipality Council. This is a victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the democratic mandate of the people of Ngwathe.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Saki Mokoena rushed prematurely to pursue the most extreme intervention against a democratically elected Council without ensuring that the constitutional requirements governing such an intervention were properly satisfied. This episode raises serious questions about political judgement, accountability and the responsible exercise of public power.
The arrogance of attempting to remove an elected Council through a process that failed constitutional scrutiny has now been confronted by constitutional institutions. No MEC, regardless of position or authority, is above the Constitution. Public office is not a licence to impose political outcomes; it is a responsibility to protect democracy, uphold the law and strengthen institutions.
The ANCYL rejects any attempt to use constitutional mechanisms as political weapons. Section 139 interventions exist to restore governance and protect communities, not to advance political agendas, settle political battles or undermine the will of voters.
This matter has also exposed the opportunistic conduct of AfriForum and those who rushed to celebrate the collapse of an elected Council before constitutional processes had been concluded. Their political grandstanding, selective outrage and attempts to turn governance challenges into political spectacle have been confronted by constitutional reality.
AfriForum and its allies cannot claim to defend democracy while celebrating the removal of a Council elected by the people of Ngwathe. The Constitution is not a political toy and constitutional governance is not a stage for political theatre. Democracy is defended through respect for constitutional processes and the will of communities.
The opposition has positioned itself as merchants of political opportunism and political scavengers seeking to benefit from the challenges facing Ngwathe rather than advancing meaningful solutions. Instead of contributing to the improvement of local government, they have chosen to exploit difficulties for political mileage.
The ANCYL rejects the false narrative that Ngwathe is a municipality without hope. Despite facing serious financial pressures and challenges, governance continued, services continued and the elected Council remained committed to serving communities. The picture of total collapse presented by political opponents does not reflect the full reality on the ground.
The ANC-led Council must continue with renewed determination to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and restore public confidence. The MEC and CoGTA must account for how a process of such importance proceeded in a defective manner. The people of Ngwathe deserve a Department that strengthens local government through lawful interventions, not one that creates further uncertainty through rushed decisions.
As South Africa approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections, young people must understand that the future will not be determined by political noise, social media campaigns or opportunistic narratives. It will be determined by those who register, participate and vote.
The ANCYL calls on young people to reject misinformation, defend constitutional democracy and exercise their power at the ballot box.
The Constitution has prevailed. The arrogance of power has been checked. The peopleβs mandate remains.
Issued by:
ANCYL Fezile Dabi Regional Task Team Coordination Office
Enquiries:
Cde. Musawenkosi Zwane - Regional Coordinator | 066 531 8713
Cde. Manti Khasoane β Spokesperson | 078 080 0851
