Mbalula and ANC ‘preparing’ to remain in power ‘forever’

Factionalism, as part of the dangers facing the ANC, has the potential to undermine everything that is positive about the movement, according to Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula.

Speaking during the launch of the ANC’s policy conference discussion, ahead of the party’s policy conference scheduled for June 30 to July 5, Mbalula yesterday commented on the proposed Revolutionary Electoral Commission.

He said it was one aspect that did not undermine democracy but sought to establish where somebody comes from and whether they met the criteria.

“The branches would have elected on the ground, but the electoral college would then do an assessment and release those names back to branches. The electoral college is a political, non-partisan structure of people who have no interest about who must be a leader except being guided by the principles of the movement,” he said.

Mbalula said the ANC was preparing to remain in power forever, adding this was not a statement of arrogance, but the party’s strategic objective.

Also commenting on the proposed policy discussion documents was Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, who said there was a need to deploy cadres on merit, be it at top positions in the presidency or at Luthuli House.

Radebe stressed the policy discussion documents would still go to the branches and policies would only be adopted in December.

He said the major threat facing the ruling party was that of unemployment and inequality.

“Our principal threat is socioeconomic challenges and not regime change,” Radebe said.

ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu said the ANC allowed anyone to express their views on presidential candidates, but reiterated that the selection of leaders still resided with branches.

“It is ill-discipline to go against the rules and directives of the organisation by attacking other leaders of the movement in the public domain,” he said.

The economic transformation discussion documents reiterate the party’s commitment to change the racialised and unequal structure of the economy. They acknowledge that South Africa has not made enough progress in reducing rates of unemployment.

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