Deputy President Mashatile
By Thobeka Makume
ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to lead critical engagements in Mangaung, Free State, on 17 April 2025, as he meets with local party structures to discuss “unity, renewal and the rebuilding of structures of the movement.” The visit, announced by ANC Free State spokesperson Thabo Meeko, underscores the party’s commitment to strengthening its foundations ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Taking place at the Indaba Auditorium in Mangaung Metro, the meeting will be followed by an Easter Programme on 18 April at the Assemblies of God in Thaba ‘Nchu. Mashatile’s visit signals a renewed focus on revitalising the ANC in a province pivotal to its historical and political legacy, sparking hope for a united and responsive organisation.
A Strategic Visit to Strengthen ANC Structures
Mashatile’s engagement in Mangaung is a key part of the ANC’s broader renewal programme, which seeks to rebuild trust with communities and address internal challenges. “The ANC Deputy President, Cde Paul Mashatile will meet with ANC Free State structures today in Mangaung, as part of his visit in the province ahead of the Easter Programme to engage on issues of unity, renewal and the rebuilding of structures of the movement,” Meeko stated. Scheduled for 15h15 on 17 April 2025 at the Indaba Auditorium, the meeting aims to foster dialogue with regional leaders and branch members to resolve longstanding issues, including factionalism and governance struggles in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
The Free State, particularly Mangaung, holds symbolic significance as the birthplace of the ANC in 1912. However, the region has faced challenges, with the municipality placed under administration in April 2022 due to “significant financial and service delivery failures.” Mashatile’s visit builds on prior interventions by the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which has been working to stabilise the province’s structures since 2023. His presence is expected to galvanise members, encouraging unity and a renewed commitment to the party’s values.
Easter Programme to Deepen Community Ties
Following the structural engagements, Mashatile will participate in the ANC’s Easter Programme on 18 April 2025 at 10h00, hosted at the Assemblies of God in Thaba ‘Nchu. “The ANC Deputy President’s Visit will be followed by the Easter Programme in Mangaung region tomorrow, arranged as follows: Date: Friday, 18th April 2025, Time: 10h00, Venue: Assemblies of God, Thaba ‘Nchu,” Meeko confirmed. This event, a staple in the ANC’s calendar, is an opportunity to connect with communities during the Easter season, reinforcing the party’s role as a people-centred movement.
The Easter Programme typically includes community outreach, such as visits to local churches and charity initiatives, reflecting the ANC’s emphasis on moral regeneration and social cohesion. In Thaba ‘Nchu, a town with deep historical ties to the Barolong community, the event is likely to feature engagements with traditional leaders and faith-based organisations, aligning with Mashatile’s previous calls for inclusive development. These activities aim to rebuild the “social distance” between the ANC and its base, a priority Mashatile has championed since his election as deputy president in December 2022.
Addressing Mangaung’s Challenges
Mangaung’s struggles have been well-documented, with internal divisions spilling into council decisions and hampering service delivery. In 2023, the ANC intervened to address parallel regional structures in Mangaung, with Mashatile himself expressing concern about the lack of a functioning provincial executive committee (PEC). The NEC appointed a task team led by David Mahlobo to investigate these rifts, resulting in the recognition of Sabelo Pitso’s regional executive committee. Mashatile’s 2025 visit is a continuation of these efforts, aiming to consolidate leadership and ensure Mangaung’s structures are election-ready.
The municipality’s financial woes, including returning a R429 million grant to National Treasury in 2020, have drawn scrutiny. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri recently acknowledged the need for “difficult decisions” to improve governance, with a local government intervention task team working to unlock solutions. Mashatile’s engagements are expected to reinforce these initiatives, focusing on practical steps to enhance service delivery, such as fixing water infrastructure and addressing unemployment, which remains a pressing issue in the Free State.
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