Derek Hanekom: We will not be muzzled

Outspoken ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Derek Hanekom says dissidents within the governing party will not be silenced from voicing their concerns over the direction of Africa’s oldest liberation movement.

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Hanekom – who was fired as tourism minister by President Jacob Zuma in March during a Cabinet reshuffle – said: “Thank you! We will not be muzzled. We will not shut up. After these threats, our voices will be louder than ever!” in response to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message of support at Cosatu’s 6th central committee meeting in Pretoria.

Ramaphosa told the trade union federation’s delegates that ANC members and the party’s alliance partners should not be muzzled or told to shut up.

Hanekom was among 18 NEC members who supported a motion of no confidence in Zuma at the weekend, tabled by African National Congress policy guru Joel Netshitenzhe. Other NEC members who reportedly backed the motion included Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, his deputy, Joe Phaahla, and Pravin Gordhan.

Thank you! We will not be muzzled. We will not shut up. After these threats, our voices will be louder than ever! https://t.co/P7LvYFY7qg

— Derek Hanekom (@Derek_Hanekom) May 30, 2017

Six months ago Hanekom called for Zuma’s recall from office at the ANC’s executive committee meeting in November following the release of the public protector’s State of Capture report, but the motion was rejected by NEC members, as it never came to a vote.

Hanekom’s Twitter account is flooded with messages from citizens thanking him for his bravery and speaking truth to power.

Thanks dear Nisha! You have lots of character and you inspire many people. Not allowing limitations to limit you! https://t.co/hDdtoTJoGh

— Derek Hanekom (@Derek_Hanekom) May 30, 2017

https://twitter.com/fynnerd/status/869193284408705024

For the record, I said it again during the weekend. As did some others who are not listed. https://t.co/fXKCHCY4ul

— Derek Hanekom (@Derek_Hanekom) May 30, 2017

Earlier this month, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) called on the ruling party to bring the former Cabinet minister to order for his public comments on the ANC’s leadership. This followed Hanekom’s remarks he was not sure if he would vote for the ANC in 2019.

EWN reported at the time that ANCYL spokesperson Mlondi Mkhize said Hanekom should apologise for his comments or resign from the NEC.

“An apology must be made, otherwise people who appear before the NDC [National Disciplinary Committee] of the ANC would have serious reservations about people who are responsible for dealing with disciplinary matters in the ANC. That should be condemned so that comrade Derek Hanekom can make the public apology to the ANC,” Mkhize was quoted as saying.

ALSO READ:

//