Sasekani Manzini unapologetic by supporting her premier
"We shouldn’t be attacking each other as women, especially about unnecessary things. We are disappointed to hear such things but, of course, we are drawing closer to the provincial conference and these attacks crop up."
“I will continue supporting the premier unapologetically.” This is what MEC for health and African National Congress provincial spokesperson, Sasekani Manzini, told Mpumalanga News this week following a 56-second voice clip about Manzini and premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane that circulated on social media last week.
In the clip, a woman is heard questioning Manzini and Mtsweni-Tsipane’s struggle credentials. “Kantsi Refilwe na Sasekani bebakweyiphi i-exile? Khona labafundze khona i-politiki lebanye bantfu bangayati, tonke tikhundla tabo, kantsi sekwente njani kahle kahle?” (This translates to: Where did Refilwe and Sasekani go into exile? Which political education did they learn that others do not know? All positions belong to them. What is happening?). These are the kind of character assassination stunts that crop up each time an elective conference approaches.
Mtshweni-Tsipane is one of the front runners for the provincial chairperson position. Other applicants for places in the provincial executive council include current acting provincial chairperson, Mandla Ndlovu, acting provincial secretary, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, David Dube and Peter Nyoni, among many others. The pair (Mtshweni-Tsipane and Manzini) are regularly seen next to each other.
Recently, they officially opened a clinic at Sikhuliwe Farm in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality together. Last month they were walking side by side in the streets of Ermelo in a march against gender-based violence with other members of the executive council. One could notice sisters who wore the same coloured leggings, Puma branded T-shirts and sneakers. Manzini said it was unfortunate that it was a woman insulting another.
“We shouldn’t be attacking each other as women, especially about unnecessary things. We are disappointed to hear such things but, of course, we are drawing closer to the provincial conference and these attacks crop up. People go to extreme measures like in this clip. People must follow the processes of the ANC to unfold.
“The conference is not about individuals, but branches. Among ourselves, we nominate and elect the people we think will represent the province. People must stop worrying about others and their feelings, whether we like each other or not. Let us allow branches to play their role by electing who they think should lead them,” she said.
Manzini also mentioned that the matter will be discussed at the Provincial Executive Committee meeting to initiate an investigation. The ANC provincial conference will be held from December 6 to 8 at Mbombela Stadium. The premier’s spokesperson, Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni, said she was aware of the clip, but said Manzini would comment as the organisation’s spokesperson.
