Maphatsoe slams ‘regionalism’ in the ANC

A war of words has erupted between the Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) and Limpopo ANC provincial chairperson and Premier Stan Mathabatha, over tribalism and regionalism in the ANC.

The quarrel ensued after Mathabatha told people at a Cosatu rally in Seshego, outside Polokwane, on Sunday that the time was ripe for another ANC president from Limpopo, apparently referring to Cyril Ramaphosa.

He also said the ANC was not a tribal movement or for a particular province.

For the past 100 years, all ANC presidents have come from two provinces, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

However, MKMVA leader Kebby Maphatsoe yesterday urged Mathabatha to apologise and withdraw his statements, which he described as very irresponsible, provocative and divisive.

Maphatsoe said Mathabatha was aware that shortsighted, ethnic and regionalistic politics would not be tolerated in the ANC as this weakens Africa’s ability to resist the duel onslaught of racism and neo-colonial monopoly capitalism.

“We are seriously concerned when he articulates support in regional and ethnic terms. Since the ANC was formed, it has fought against all forms of racism, ethnicity and regionalism,” Maphatsoe said.

Phuti Seloba, Limpopo provincial government spokesperson, said he did not see anything wrong with what Mathabatha had said.

“He was just saying Limpopo was ready to produce another ANC president after 100 years since Sefako Makgatho in 1917.”