Mbeki ally threatens to split ANC

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: BBC

Former South African Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota has warned that some members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) may leave the party.

"Today we are serving divorce papers," he said, announcing a conference in the next few weeks where a decision may be taken to split from the ANC.
...
General elections are due in South Africa in the first half of next year.

The governing party is divided between supporters of Mr Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, who won a bitter party contest to become ANC leader last year.

Mr Lekota, known as "Terror" because of his prowess on the football field, is a former ANC chairman.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7658370.stm

[FarrenH]

1. This is excellent news

Left-Liberal checking in from SA here. I voted for the ANC in previous elections but am now fearful of anti-democratic trends in the public statements of populists and careerists who have won considerable influence in the leadership, as well as being disgusted with the level of cronyism and corruption being tolerated at the highest levels (despite the ANC's apparent commitment to going after more disposable members lower in the hierarchy for corruption).

Its unlikely a new party will gain traction in time for our next election, but I'm hoping they do. It will force a coalition government which will mean less decisive government, but the gains in terms of mutual oversight will be substantial. We've hemorrhaged enormous amounts of public funds in recent years because national leaders engage in corrupt practices with impunity and even their conscientious colleagues within the party are mute due to loyalty to the party.

The most shocking recent illustration of this behaviour was the case of our National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi. The National Prosecuting Authority (also known as the Scorpions), which is seperate form the police force and has its own investigative arm, put together a substantial case against him alleging that he had a corrupt relationship with a known organised crime kingpin. Unfortunately they are also in the process of trying to prove the current head of the ANC corrupt in court. So the previous president tried repeatedly to squash the probe into his friend the police commissioner, while the rival president-in-waiting's faction was accusing the NPA of a political witch hunt against their man. Net effect: The NPA, the most demonstrably effective crime fighting force against organised crime in this country, is being disbanded by acts of parliament.

We're very far away from the point where the institution of democracy is damaged beyond repair, but recent blurring of the line between party and state through thoroughly politically motivated hires and firings, has certainly done some damage. I sincerely hope that the present divisions will force a coalition government, with the increased scrutiny and accountability that will attend such a government.

[tabatha]

2. Thanks for the inside report.

I was sad to see Trevor Manuel go with Mbeki, but if they are to start a better party, then hopefully that is good. It seems as though both the US govt and the ANC govt suffer from cronyism. But there are always good people somewhere to be found. An Obama win would hopefully provide an example for all people to follow. A decided sea change is required in the world.

I was so hopeful with the bloodless 1994 end of the apartheid era.

(KZN born)

[FarrenH]

3. Manuel's back

He resigned, the markets dipped, he was rapidly rehired.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

4. Everyone I know in South Africa is shitting themselves over Zuma

When he became ANC leader a friend sent me a one line message "I guess were going to find out if their is something worse than apartheid"

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. ANC heavyweight joins rebellion

The ex-premier of South Africa's Gauteng province has resigned from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to join those calling for a new party.

Mbhazima Shilowa said the rebels, led by ex-Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, would hold a convention on 2 November.

Mr Shilowa resigned as premier in protest at the ousting last month of Thabo Mbeki as president.
...
Observers have said a split in the ANC has appeared increasingly likely, though a new party is unlikely to become a major power in South Africa unless it attracts political heavyweights.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7671292.stm