The African National Congress Youth League in the Norman Mashabane region has strongly condemned the Mayor of Greater Tzaneen Municipality for refusing to resign as the ANC has instructed.
In a media statement released on Friday, 15 May 2026, the youth league described the mayor’s conduct as “shameful, selfish, and arrogant.” The league says the mayor’s refusal to step down is a direct attack on democratic centralism, the principle that keeps the ANC united and disciplined.
The youth league made it clear that holding a mayor’s position is not a personal right. It is a mandate given by the ANC, and the party has the authority to remove or replace its members whenever it sees fit. According to the statement, refusing to resign when the party demands it is the same as rejecting the ANC itself.
The league warned that this behaviour is dangerous. It said the mayor’s actions show signs of factionalism, entitlement, and a counter-revolutionary attitude. If the party does not act quickly, the youth league said, other leaders may also start ignoring ANC decisions, which could destroy the organisation from within.
The youth league said young members of the party are watching what happens. They said they refuse to inherit an organisation where leaders openly undermine party decisions and face no consequences. The statement said the mayor’s behaviour sends a very bad message to young cadres about accountability, loyalty, and respect for collective leadership.
The youth league is now calling for immediate and strong action against the mayor. It said the ANC must act without fear or favour. If the party fails to act firmly, the league warned, it will only encourage more acts of defiance and weaken the authority of the ANC.
The league demanded that the mayor immediately resign as the party has instructed. If he does not, the youth league said he should face the full disciplinary process of the ANC.
The statement ended with a strong warning: “Undermining the ANC is treason to the movement.”