The Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West is facing renewed political instability after the African National Congress (ANC) unexpectedly severed ties with its coalition partners and aligned with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to co-govern the municipality.
Previously, the ANC had governed through a coalition with smaller parties, including the Botho Community Movement (BCM) and the African Independent Congress (AIC). However, that alliance appears to have dissolved without formal consultation.
BCM founder Ofentse Kombe expressed frustration over how the transition was handled, accusing the ANC of sidelining their former partners without proper communication.
"In our engagement with the ANC, they initially approached us formally with a signed coalition agreement," Kombe said. "But when they decided we were no longer needed, there was no official dialogue or formal conclusion to that partnership."
The sudden political realignment raises questions about governance stability and transparency within one of the province's key municipalities.