The cracks and factionalism within the ANC are proving to be thorns in the side of the ruling party.
This is according to the deputy president, David Mabuza, who has called for the factionalism within the ANC to come to an end.
“Factionalism has no place in the ANC I envisage. Factionalism is a cancer that is slowly destroying the organisation,” he said. The ANC has always enjoyed overwhelming support in this province during elections, but the cracks and continuous infighting over positions are starting to show and to affect this gigantic movement.
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The 2021 Local Government Elections have exposed deeper divisions within the organisation. During the campaigning trail, some leaders, especially MECs, were missing in action.
Mabuza was seen with only the acting chairperson, Mandla Ndlovu, at times with the axed elections manager, Mandla Msibi, and former executive members Gillion Mashego, Pat Ngomane, Gabisile Shabalala, Norah Mahlangu and Jesta Sidell. Instead of showing a united front, they opted for parallel campaigning, which was criticised by many within the party. On election day, the voters, especially young people, stood the ANC up by staying away from the polls, arguably because of the party’s ongoing internal squabbles.
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“We are going to deal with these factional battles within the ANC, because if we fail, we risk losing this movement. This time around we are going to deal with that. Rest assured, we are not going to fail our people,” continued Mabuza as he addressed the media.
The voter turnout throughout the province was generally very low, with many young people staying away. “I voted ANC. It’s in my blood. I will die ANC, no matter the difficulties. I am prepared to die within this movement,” said Mabuza.
“The situation in the ANC will improve. All disputes before we were campaigning for this day, we have, I think, explained to the voters. We have put across our message that we are going to deal with all these disputes.
