Magashule calls for accountable leadership

Free State ANC provincial chairperson and premier, Ace Magashule, has warned members of the ruling party to guard against using personal friendships as a criterion for electing people to key leadership positions.

Magashule was speaking at the ANC Fezile Dabi regional conference that was held at the Frankfort Town Hall in Mafube last Sunday.

He said it was better for leaders to be elected by overwhelming majority of ANC branches instead of assuming power through money and patronage.

“A leader in the ANC is elected by the masses and branches of the party. We have the masses at the forefront and the leader must lead from behind. Comrades need be wary of joining the ANC for personal gain. Leaders of the ANC must have the interests of the masses at heart,” said Magashule.

Meanwhile, hundreds of delegates from different branches in Fezile Dabi bestowed their trust in the current mayor of the Mafube Local Municipality, Jabulani Sigasa, who was elected uncontested as the regional chairperson, despite earlier indications of a challenge from South African National Civic Organisation’s (SANCO) leader, Lucky Phoko.

Magashule expressed confidence in Sigasa’s leadership capabilities. “Truth must be told that comrade Sigasa has brought about positive changes in Mafube Local Municipality since his election as a mayor.  He has improved service delivery and brought about visible developments in the area.”

Sigasa committed to work jointly with his regional executive committee to ensure that the ANC wins next year’s national elections.

He said the region will make its contribution to the attainment of the 85 percent electoral victory margin in next year’s national general elections. “We have a target to achieve; 85 percent is our priority and we have to achieve it. To this effect we need all hands on deck.

“I am happy that the majority of branches in the region have confidence in me and I pledge to serve them diligently. I will always strive to work for the poorest of the poor.” he added. Sigasa fills the void left by Sizwe Mbalo who has been redeployed to the provincial legislature as a deputy Speaker.