Lindiwe Sisulu’s tweets point to ANC’s unstable state

ANC politics has become so fluid that senior party leaders like national executive committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Sisulu have found no difficulty in publicly expressing themselves on issues – regardless of being perceived to be against the president, a leading political analyst says.

Independent political analyst Dr Ralph Mathekga was commenting regarding Sisulu’s latest tweets on:

• Contesting the 2017 ANC presidential elections along with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Matthews Phosa, Jeff Radebe, Dr Zweli Mkhize and Baleka Mbete.
• The high costs associated with the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Posting a photograph on Twitter among ANC leaders who contested the Nasrec 2017 national ANC conference presidency, Sisulu wrote: “The aim of this picture was to show a beautiful night we had as presidential hopefuls in 2017.

“Any other interpretation will not be entertained!”

Another Sisulu tweet read: “It’s a pity that no amount of money can rid this toxicity about this scourge of corruption.

“What is also worrying is the expensive way of dealing with corruption, like the Zondo Commission, while there are absolutely no guarantees of consequences. The only way is good governance.”

While Sisulu’s posts have earned her the wrath of fellow ANC NEC member Fikile Mbalula, she has had support from former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter Dudu, with KwaZulu-Natal ANC leaders seeking her advice.

Tweeted Dudu: “Thank you, Aunt Lindiwe.

“The rest of SA understood your aim and appreciate the reminder of tolerance of each other in politics, which is what the night (2017 dinner) was about.

“Women leaders like you are needed.”

The photo raised Mbalula’s ire and he immediately slammed Zuma – the sponsor of the dinner.

“Zuma is not a saint. He was a disaster for this country – big one.

“Try me, I’ll tell you why,” said Mbalula.

In a now-deleted tweet, Mbalula said Zuma organised the 2017 dinner buoyed by prospects that ex-wife Dlamini-Zuma would win the ANC presidential election.

“Long live David Mabuza for saving us from this monarchy disaster!” said Mbalula.

Sisulu’s growing influence in the party saw her recently invited by the KwaZulu-Natal ANC to discuss their challenges.

Said Mathekga: “Sisulu is quite a senior leader within the ANC, having served under Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma and now Cyril Ramaphosa.

“She has learnt how to traverse under different ANC leaders.

“Given the leadership experience she has, if you are on the right side of history, you are likely to make an impact. Positioning herself in politics is natural.

“One thing admirable is that she is never shy to express her political views on issues, because of her seniority within the ANC.

“We can’t read much into the timing of her tweets because ANC members have lately been speaking their minds on issues – marking a fluidity in ANC politics.

“By speaking out on issues, Sisulu is not merely pronouncing to the ANC support base, but to broader South Africa.

“The issue of corruption within the ANC, which has come under the spotlight at the Zondo commission, has forced ANC leaders to take a stand on it. It is important for her to make her position known.”

– brians@citizen.co.za

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