By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) was forced to withdraw its statement recalling the Madibeng Local Municipality Executive Mayor Douglas Seleke Maimane.
This comes after ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula issued a statement yesterday that the party had resolved to recall Maimane from his deployment as executive mayor of the troubled North West municipality.
The recall was approved by the ANC North West Provincial Executive Committee and endorsed by the Office of the Secretary General.
Mbalula had instructed its caucus in Madibeng to implement the decision through lawful municipal council procedures, stressing that public office is a deployment that can be withdrawn when a cadre no longer advances the organisation’s mandate.
However Maimane’s lawyers send the ANC a letter of demand, that the party is in contempt of court and it must withdraw its recall’s notice.
As a result, On Wednesday, 03 June 2026, Mbalula issued a letter that the matter concerning the Madibeng Local Municipality are the subject of a legal process, and the ANC will allow that process to take its proper course. The ensuing recall is a new process which will be matched with proper legal action on an urgent basis.
“Accordingly, and pending the conclusion of that process, no steps will be taken to give effect to any change in the office of the Executive Mayor, a change that is underway. The ANC will act only through lawful and constitutional means, and within the framework of its own Constitution.”
“This does not alter the movement’s firm conviction that our municipalities exist to serve the people, that no individual can hold the people and the movement at ransom via out of internal processes legal manoeuvrings. The ANC deployees are strictly enjoined to put people first, not their individual careers, said Mbalula.”
Maimane’s recall follows a leaked audio recording in April 2026, in which he was heard offering opposition councillors R200,000 to work against the ANC ahead of local government elections. He denied the allegations and challenged the move to remove him, temporarily delaying the process.
The court granted an interdict that allowed him to remain in office.
However Fullview has in good authority that the matter is still before court and the ANC will allow that process to take its course.
Madibeng municipality faces severe service delivery challenges, most notably chronic water and sanitation crises, failing infrastructure, and a high vacancy rate that stifles operational capacity.
These issues are compounded by deep-rooted political infighting, corruption, and financial instability.
• Low Revenue Collection:
Municipality currently collects only 60% of rates and taxes, jeopardising its financial sustainability.
• High Vacancy Rate:
With a 39% vacancy rate, the municipality’s capacity to deliver services is severely constrained.
• Delayed Infrastructure Projects:
The Brits Water Treatment Plant, launched in 2012, remains incomplete.
Mbalula added that the ANC remains committed to municipalities that are singularly focused on the needs of communities, the delivery of basic services, the creation of jobs and economic opportunity, and the safety of our people.