ANC members breaking ranks

The ANC's battle to win the municipal election in Sebokeng will not be fought only against the DA but also with former ruling party members standing as independent candidates.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe yesterday spent time behind closed doors with Lesedi Masango, who is standing as an independent after being left off the ANC list of candidates for the area of Polokong in Sebokeng.

Soon after the meeting with Masango, Mantashe said that the ANC was a victim of its own success.

Mantashe said members might want to walk away, but this was not the solution.

"Once you become independent and join another party or work against the ANC you have defined yourself outside the ANC.

He said the ANC constitution was clear on the matter. "You must campaign for the ANC candidate whether you like that candidate or not . we must work together to ensure an ANC victory," Mantashe said.

Mzwandile Yende, a Polokong resident, said: "I support the ANC, but I will not vote for the councillor they have chosen for this district. Nhlele has done nothing for us.

"The whole community is complaining about him. My yard was flooded once and I asked for his help. He said he is not God and he didn't create the flood."

Yende said he would support Masango instead of ANC-nominated candidate Captain Nhlele.

The ANC has in recent weeks battled to contain an internal revolt as party members complain about the list process.

During his door-to-door campaign, Mantashe was regaled with complaints about the poor roads and lack of services in the area.

He said he was happy the common issue raised was about roads and that people were happy because the ANC had given them houses, electricity and water.

Mantashe said roads needed to be tarred so people could walk when it rained. - Additional reporting by Sapa