Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Thabo John Machete said his decision to join a new political party was driven by a continued desire to serve communities.
Machete served as a proportional-representation councillor in the Musina Local Municipality from 2022 until October 2025, representing the EFF. He also held the position of regional treasurer in the party's Vhembe region and had been a member of the EFF since 2013.
His membership was terminated, following allegations that he was not working hard enough. Machete said he had received an email informing him that he was no longer a member of the party and later became aware of further correspondence, which he believed would be followed by a formal process.
"I expected the national leadership to call me in for questioning, but that never happened," he said.
Machete also addressed concerns about the EFF's policy prohibiting councillors from holding two full-time jobs. He said the policy was explained to him and that he was given an opportunity to resign from one of the positions. At the time, the private company he worked for was experiencing financial difficulties, and he was later retrenched, along with other employees.
He said he sought opportunities to do part-time work for his former employer when possible, arguing that financial stability is often necessary to assist disadvantaged communities effectively.
"Working with people teaches you that leadership also requires resources," Machete said.
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Machete described his time in the EFF as valuable and said those who had worked with him knew his commitment to improving people's lives. "I served as a dedicated comrade, with love for making life better for our people," he said.
Machete has now joined Build Africa South Africa (BABSA), a relatively new political party, which he described as an "upcoming movement with a clear vision."
He confirmed that he has held engagements with BABSA president Lovemore Ndou and said details of their work together would be shared in due course. "I still have more to offer. Staying at home was never an option when people still need help," he said.
Machete was replaced as councillor by the EFF's Azwitamisi Edward Siphuga, who was sworn in as a member of the Musina Local Municipality council on 19 November.