The political atmosphere in Greater Giyani has grown increasingly tense as local and opposition parties unite in their criticism of the African National Congress (ANC). The newly formed Giyani Progressive Party (GPP) has now joined ActionSA and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in condemning the ruling party ahead of its massive provincial rally scheduled for this Saturday.
Giyani Progressive Party decries “Exclusive” access
The Giyani Progressive Party issued a sharp statement accusing the ANC of monopolizing the Giyani Stadium for its political event. The party argues that the ANC has accorded itself exclusive use of the facility to the total exclusion of local artists, sports teams, and other economic drivers.
According to the GPP, the stadium should serve as a hub for local development and cultural expression rather than being treated as a private venue for political posturing. The party noted that many local artists and entrepreneurs, who rely on the stadium for visibility and income, have been sidelined to make way for the provincial rally.
Opposition groups allege state abuse
This new criticism adds to the fire already lit by ActionSA and the MKP. ActionSA councillor Ponani Makhubele, who recently left the ANC for a second time, has been vocal on social media about the “abuse of state power.” She claims the provincial government’s “Service Delivery Week” is a thinly veiled campaign tactic funded by taxpayers.
Similarly, MKP Member of Parliament and former ANC councillor Penny Penny has been agitating against the rally. He has questioned why major infrastructure repairs and service blitzes are only occurring now that the ANC leadership is visiting the area.
A push to win back Giyani
The ANC’s visit is widely seen as an attempt to repair its image in the Mopani District. Discontent has been simmering since Tsonga-speaking leaders were left out of the party’s top five provincial positions. To address this, the party recently elevated Basikopo Makamu to the Provincial Working Committee and appointed Goodman Mtileni as the Provincial Organiser.
While the ANC maintains that the service delivery blitz and the Giyani rally are about “bringing government to the people,” the rising chorus of opposition suggests otherwise. For the Giyani Progressive Party and others, the use of the stadium and the timing of the “Service Delivery Week ” are symbols of a party that they believe has lost touch with the everyday economic needs of the local community.