In a startling turn of events, the African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling political party, is once again facing internal turmoil as divisions among its top officials come to light. Following the election of the party’s top seven members during the national elective conference in December 2022, it was hoped that unity and collaboration would prevail. However, recent developments indicate that these aspirations may remain unfulfilled.
The previous ANC top six members were no strangers to discord, as their inability to work cohesively resulted in the expulsion of several individuals, including former Secretary General Ace Magashule, who did not complete their terms. However, the hopes for a fresh start were dashed when it became apparent that most of the newly elected top seven members belonged to a single faction, aligning themselves with President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa.
In a recent revelation, tensions within the party have surfaced as ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has found himself at odds with President Ramaphosa. Adding fuel to the fire, the party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, has publicly announced that they will support President Ramaphosa over Mantashe, should the President take action against him for defying his authority on green energy policies.
According to a report published by the Sunday Times, Mbalula stated, “Luthuli House will side with President Cyril Ramaphosa if he takes action against Gwede Mantashe for defying him on green energy.” This statement highlights the growing rift within the ANC, as high-ranking officials openly declare their allegiances.
The issue at hand appears to be centered around Mantashe’s opposition to President Ramaphosa’s stance on green energy. With South Africa’s growing concern for environmental sustainability and the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources, the President has advocated for aggressive renewable energy targets. However, Mantashe, who oversees the mining and energy portfolios, is purportedly resistant to these policy proposals, leading to a clash of ideologies within the ANC.
The implications of this division extend beyond mere policy disagreements. The ANC’s ability to govern effectively and maintain stability is under threat as internal conflicts continue to undermine unity within the party. Historically, such divisions have had far-reaching consequences, eroding public confidence and impacting the party’s ability to deliver on its promises to the South African people.
The ANC, founded in 1912, has played a vital role in South Africa’s history, leading the fight against apartheid and overseeing the country’s transition to democracy. However, in recent years, the party has faced mounting criticism due to allegations of corruption, internal power struggles, and governance challenges. The current turmoil only serves to exacerbate these concerns, raising questions about the ANC’s ability to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
As tensions within the ANC continue to escalate, it remains uncertain how the party will navigate these internal divisions. The future of the ANC’s leadership and its impact on South Africa’s political landscape hangs in the balance. The public, already weary from years of political instability, will closely monitor developments within the party, hoping for a resolution that restores unity and enables the ANC to effectively govern and address the pressing needs of the country.
Sources:
https://twitter.com/sundaytimesza/status/1677721707723857920?s=46&t=PkMZhAfcC3eOgj3OsYqUmg
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