Voluntary resignation rule backfires on party leader

The Azanian Independent Community Movement (AICM) in North West is embroiled in political infighting that may undermine its strength as one of the civil society alternatives for the province's disgruntled electorate.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

Party president Joseph Dibakwe was recently forced to resign under his self-created "voluntary resignation" policy, which he had designed to remove councillors who were his opponents.

The rule required that members who were violating the party rules or defying its mandate should resign voluntarily.

However, when his turn came to step down, he refused until the rule was enforced on him by the top leadership.

AICM national executive committee appointed secretary-general Given Bogatsu as acting president to replace Dibakwe.