Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Louise Verwey and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Mahalia Kose. See attached picture here.
The DA in Tswelopele Local Municipality notes the ANC’s own disciplinary finding against suspended Mayor, Cllr Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi, who the party’s Provincial Disciplinary Committee in the Free State has found guilty of gender-based violence. According to the ANC’s own communication, her party membership has been suspended for one year; she may not wear ANC regalia or attend any ANC gathering during this period.
This follows the Council’s own decision, on 2 July 2026, to unanimously remove Cllr Phukuntsi from the office of Mayor through a motion of no confidence. A motion that cited abusive language towards officials and councillors, interference in administrative processes, the sidelining of councillors in EPWP appointments, and misleading the council about irregular committee meetings.
The ANC’s finding of gender-based violence against its own former Mayor is significant. This followed when a criminal complaint was laid against her by her former driver and bodyguard, Henry Mathebula. He is accusing her of sustained physical assault, verbal abuse and intimidation while on official duty.
The DA has previously called for an independent investigation into these allegations by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and we reiterate that call today. GBV has no place in local government, whether the perpetrator is a man or a woman, and the ANC’s own action against Cllr Phukuntsi confirms what residents and officials in Tswelopele have long raised.
Cllr Phukuntsi has now returned her Municipal vehicle and no longer receives any of the perks she enjoyed as Mayor. However, she continues to occupy a state-owned house that she has lived in for 14 years, without any rental agreement or other form of legal occupancy on record.
The DA has been in communication with the acting Mayor, Ms Manto Radienyane, who confirmed that the Municipality is seeking to clarify the legal basis, if any, for this occupation, and that steps are being taken to recover the property.
Over an extended period, the DA has sought to have the Municipality investigate significant building additions and renovations carried out at this same house since Cllr Phukuntsi moved in. On the information available to us, this work was not accompanied by approved building plans. Previous attempts by DA councillors to have this matter properly investigated were obstructed by the ANC-led council in the Municipality.
The DA now called on the newly appointed acting Municipal Manager and Director of Corporate Services, Ms Moses, to open an investigation into this transgression and to proceed without political interference. Since Cllr Phukuntsi no longer holds any executive or party protection, she can no longer intimidate council members to shield her from scrutiny.
Given her one-year suspension from the ANC, Cllr Phukuntsi will not be eligible to contest the office of Mayor of Tswelopele in these upcoming November municipal elections, as her suspension will still be in effect. This means that whoever the Council elects as Mayor after the elections will serve a full five-year term.
The DA will continue to hold all office-bearers in Tswelopele to account, regardless of party affiliation, and will closely monitor the Municipality’s handling of both the housing matter and the building compliance investigation.