The Andrew Radebe African National Congress Youth League branch in Alex will, like others nationwide, submit its position to the National Working Committee of the party on the ruling by the Constitutional Court, that President Jacob Zuma failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution in relation to the excesses in the upgrade of his Nkandla homestead using tax revenue.
This derives from the Public Protector’s binding recommendation for him to reimburse the state of the excess amount – which he still has not done after two years. Branch deputy chairperson, Keith Maphutha said their position will also include their view on the allegation of the president’s compromised position drawing from his relationship with the Gupta family – accused of determining the appointment of government officials.
Maphutha said the issues reflected organisational dynamics and evolutionary processes and challenges expected of any organisation at various phases of development.
“Parties comprise human beings who aren’t perfect. The distinction between the ANC and others is that we, at the appropriate time, deal with the challenges through self-correcting measures to rid the party of the negative development that may stifle our growth and affect our relevance to society. The Nkandla saga is a blemish that the party is handling through democratic internal processes and procedures involving members from branch level to ensure everyone is involved in the corrective and censure measures that will be recommended,” Maphutha said.
He added that in its long history, the party resolved challenges involving their leaders through membership input. ” In two instances this resulted in the removal of presidents Alfred Xuma, who led between 1940 and 1949, and Thabo Mbeki, between 1999 and 2008, after they were found to have breached party protocol. The processes for their removal were democratic and worthy emulating by parties elsewhere, in particular, Africa.”
Maphutha said the branch will decide on the Nkandla case on its merits without reference to external influences. This, he said, despite the posturing and recommendations from other political parties. He alleged the ANC didn’t interfere in their affairs. He conceded that as government and majority in Parliament, the spotlight was on them to be exemplary in upholding the Constitution. “The process may seem slow but it’s important for all members to get involved in defence of the party’s values and integrity which have guided our existence for decades.”
Maphutha also criticised current and former members for making statements which lacked evidence. This in reference to the Women’s League president, Bathabile Dlamini, for alleging leaders had skeletons in the cupboard and Ronny Casrils, former minister of intelligence and defence, for stating that President Zuma shouldn’t be replaced with another thief.
