Mafube First in the Mafube Local Municipality has moved to dispel allegations it referred to as misleading and unsubstantiated. These follows allegations from some party members who claimed unfair dismissal by the organization. At the heart of these allegations are issues related to the party’s propotional representative candidate list that some of the members raised concerns about.
Mafube First said it respects the right of members to raise concerns and make proposals within the organization and that all members and candidates are equally expected to comply with official meetings, programmes, workshops, instructions and organisational decisions.The organization has confirmed the suspension of three members, while the fourth has been dismissed, for various reasons including not complying with legitimate organisational requirements.
“The allegation that Mafube First secretly prepared a list to deliberately exclude particular individuals, women or experienced community members is not supported by verified evidence, candidate selection is a serious organisational responsibility and considers eligibility, suitability, conduct, commitment, organisational requirements and applicable electoral processes” said the organization.
The organization stated that the issue of party’s propotional representative candidate list is an organisational process and members refused to go over an evaluation process that the party has arranged. Mafube First added that it rejects statements suggesting that the organisation deliberately “used” people before removing them, saying such claims are inflammatory and create unnecessary division.
“Mafube First remains united and no individual is bigger than the organization, genuine concerns regarding candidate selection or organisational decisions should be raised through the appropriate Mafube First structures rather than through social media messages or unverified information.
“As we build up to the local elections, we want to assure the members, supporters and the whole community of Mafube that we remain committed to fairness, accountability, transparency, discipline, Ubuntu and service to the people of Mafube”.
