Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who also serves as co-convener of the ANC’s provincial interim leadership, has issued a stark warning to party members embroiled in factional battles, cautioning that the African National Congress could collapse if internal fighting over leadership positions continues.
Lesufi was delivering the opening address at the long-delayed ANC Tshwane regional conference, which eventually got underway in Centurion after several postponements caused by disputes and legal challenges.
The conference was postponed four times following disagreements over branch general meetings, which culminated in internal disputes and a court challenge. Supporters of City of Tshwane MMC for Utility Services Frans Boshielo are believed to have been behind the objections and the unsuccessful court bid. Boshielo is contesting City of Tshwane Deputy Mayor Bonzo Modise for the position of regional chairperson.
Addressing delegates, Lesufi used a stark metaphor to describe the state of the party.
“Comrades, we are in a sinking ship. We cannot, when we are in a sinking ship, squabble amongst ourselves over who must lead, because very soon this ship may be completely under the water. We must focus on the real battle of saving the African National Congress,” he said.
The conference was originally scheduled to begin earlier on Friday but only commenced at 22:30, with organisers indicating that outstanding disputes could still be addressed at a later stage. In line with the ANC constitution, at least 70 percent of branches must participate for a conference to proceed. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed late on Friday evening that the Tshwane conference had met this requirement, paving the way for proceedings to begin.
“We have satisfied ourselves that this conference meets all those requirements, and we wish to congratulate you on that. We will not get involved in other matters such as court cases and so on,” Lesufi said.
Modise echoed Lesufi’s sentiments, reminding delegates that leadership positions are temporary and that members must accept the outcomes of democratic processes.
“We are all going to get off the stage. It ends here for us. New leadership is going to be elected. We were given responsibilities and our term has now come to an end. No one needs to fight for a position,” Modise said.
Lesufi also criticised what he described as a growing culture of entitlement within the ANC, urging members to recommit to selfless service.
“We have been taking and taking from the ANC. That must come to an end, comrades. We now need to start giving and giving to the ANC. We have taken a lot,” he said.