Delmas — The ANC in Nkangala has experienced an en masse resignation from five prominent members between 18 and 19 February 2026, fueling speculation that they may join the newly formed Service Delivery Party and creating uncertainty in local municipal politics.
On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, four people submitted their resignations: regional youth leader Brian Tsotetsi, veteran member Dennis Mtshweni, branch member Sjakako Thombeni and Steve Tshwete Ward 20 organiser and Regional Working Committee (RWC) member Ntokozo Chiloane.
An additional member, Victor Khanye Ward 6 member Sipho Mahlangu, followed suit on 19 February 2026.
An insider told Highveld Chronicle that the resigning members found a new political home in the Service Delivery Party, which was formed over a month ago.
“Remember the organisation known as Delmas First? Most of its members have now transitioned to the Service Delivery Party,” the source said. “We were aware of this shift and had prepared ourselves well in advance. It's no secret that Delmas is facing conflicts related to mining issues, and there’s discontent with Executive Mayor Vusi Buda of Victor Khanye Local Municipality (VKLM). This dissatisfaction has sparked the belief that by establishing a new political party, they can secure control of the municipality.”
ANC Regional Secretary Sello Matshoga said, “We may not know where they are going, and it's not our concern. Many individuals choose to resign from their positions. We've noticed this trend, particularly when selecting candidates, it's evident that some will depart if they are not chosen as ANC candidates.”
Matshoga also expressed concerns about the resignation letters being circulated on social media. “We acknowledge their democratic right to step down and align with different political parties. However, we have concerns about the reason behind their decision to share their resignation letters publicly before even delivering them to the branch secretary. It raises questions about their intentions. Are they convening somewhere to collectively announce their resignations and then disseminate those letters on social media? This is a significant issue that warrants attention from our perspective,” he said.
The Service Delivery Party responded through spokesperson Pascaline Mazibuko, also known as Bullet Mkabayi. “We believe it's not something to make a fuss over when individuals decide to resign from their parties. After all, we respect everyone's right to choose and associate freely,” she said.
The resignations are notable because some of the departing members held influential positions within ANC structures: Tsotetsi served three consecutive terms as ANCYL Branch Chairperson, was ANC Branch Deputy Secretary, Regional spokesperson on the Regional Executive Committee (REC), and previously served in the Regional Task Team. His resignation cited concerns about alignment and direction in youth development initiatives.
Mtshweni was the Nkangala District Municipality and VKLM Youth Manager, currently the Local Economic Development Manager at VKLM. He described his resignation as the start of a new political chapter, and said he would continue advancing a society grounded in social harmony and servant leadership.
Mahlangu pointed to growing misalignment between his vision for effective service delivery and the direction taken by the Ward 6 branch.
Thombeni raised concerns about internal communication and consultation processes within party structures.
Chiloane expressed that the ideals that once drew her in, no longer shine as clearly as they did before: “I find it increasingly difficult to reconcile the current state of affairs with values that inspired me to join.”
The simultaneous departure of these members, some widely regarded as loyal and vocal ANC supporters, has prompted questions within local political circles. With multiple resignations occurring in the same week, Nkangala’s political landscape has entered a period of uncertainty. Whether these departures represent isolated decisions or the beginning of a broader shift within local ANC structures remains to be seen.
