ANCWL defends Free State Mayor accused of being drunk at rally
The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Free State has come to the defense of Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality Mayor Malekula Melato, following allegations that she was drunk at the ANC’s January 8 rally last weekend.
ANCWL Free State provincial secretary Theo Mosala dismissed the accusations, insisting that Melato does not consume alcohol at all, despite residents claiming otherwise.
ANCWL Dismisses Allegations
Speaking in support of Melato, Mosala firmly stated:
“Honestly, she does not drink at all. She was at the January 8 event with other women, as you can see in the video, singing and dancing as we normally do.”
She explained that Melato’s body type could make her appear unstable when she stands or moves, leading to misinterpretations of her actions.
“It is not every day that one dances. You’ll need someone to hold you. I also need help to stand up,” Mosala added.
She further suggested that the rumors were being spread by individuals who did not know Melato personally, accusing them of trying to tarnish her reputation.
“Character Assassination” in Politics
According to Mosala, political jealousy and malice often fuel such accusations. She suggested that those unhappy with Melato’s leadership could be behind the allegations.
“In politics, character assassination is the order of the day. It’s clear that someone out there is trying to bring her down. She has been doing a great job since she was elected mayor last year. You can see the progress in media reports and on social media,” she argued.
She emphasized that not everyone is happy when a leader performs well.
“When someone is doing good things, not everybody will be happy. This is nothing more than malicious gossip. They are trying to assassinate the character of an ANC and ANCWL deployee,” Mosala said.
Questioning the Motive Behind the Accusations
Mosala questioned what those behind the allegations hoped to achieve, suggesting jealousy or political rivalry could be motivating factors.
“Now that she is performing exceptionally well, it raises dissatisfaction among some comrades. That mayor is doing well, she is doing her job. The rumors are nothing but beer-hall talk, and I reject them outright,” she said.
She also stated that while she was not with Melato at the time of the alleged incident, she has been with her at other social gatherings and has never seen her consume alcohol.
“We would be drinking occasionally, but not her. She doesn’t drink. That’s why I confidently say that the gossip about her is malicious and untrue,” Mosala insisted.
She further argued that some women naturally have high energy levels, which can sometimes be mistaken for intoxication.
Public Reaction and Circulating Video
Despite Mosala’s defense, some residents remain unconvinced, citing a video circulating online that allegedly shows Melato struggling to stand and being assisted by other women wearing ANCWL regalia.
Earlier this week, IOL reported that Melato had categorically denied drinking alcohol, despite residents challenging her claim.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some defending the mayor, while others believe the video evidence contradicts her statements.
As the controversy continues, the ANCWL remains firmly behind Melato, rejecting the allegations as baseless attacks aimed at discrediting her leadership.
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