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The ANC could be plunged into more instability and be weakened should it bow to threats of an internal revolt and backtrack on implementing its “step-aside” resolution.
This is according to several political analysts who said an open battle for the control of the ANC was almost inevitable as the party instructs its tainted leaders to leave their posts.
The party’s national executive committee resolved to go ahead with the implementation of the contentious resolution, giving all those charged with corruption and other serious crimes 30 days to vacate their posts in the party and within the state or face suspension.
The party is, however, facing possible internal rebellion as some of its criminally charged leaders have expressed opposition to the stepping aside decision, including the party’s secretary-general Ace Magashule who faces corruption and money laundering charges.
Other corruption accused include ANC MP Bongani Bongo, KwaZulu-Natal deputy chair Mike Mabuyakhulu, former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, Limpopo treasurer Danny Msiza and former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli.
Wits University’s professor Susan Booysen said the decision was far-reaching and that failure to implement it would disable it from asserting any organisational discipline in the future.
“The ANC is already divided as it is, but if they manage to implement it, that may also provide a better sense of where the ANC stands on ethics, even if it leads to defiance,” said Booysen.
The ANC in the Eastern Cape has already instructed corruption accused former health MEC Sindiswa Gomba and Buffalo City chair Phumlani Mkolo to immediately step aside from party activities, while two other PEC members, Zukiswa Ncitha and Zandisile Qupe, had chosen to voluntarily step aside.
Amathole strongman and regional coordinator Teris Ntuthu is also among those already removed by the provincial structure, but is fighting against the decision.
Eastern Cape ANC spokesperson Loyiso Magqashela said while both Ntuthu and Mkolo sought to oppose the decision, the PEC had told them that it would not change.
“They are free to approach Luthuli House if they are aggrieved,” he said.
Acting regional coordinator Sheila Xego said the structure was opposed to the rushed suspension of Ntuthu and that they backed his appeal against it.
University of Johannesburg’s professor Mcebisi Ndletyana said the looming revolt was unlikely to lead to an implosion or a breakaway.
“Forming a party is a possibility given the divisions within the ANC, but there is very little appetite for such a split because experience has shown with past splinters that it does not really offer real advantages,” said Ndletyana.
He said internal fights would likely be intensified as the ANC prepares for municipal elections because factions would now openly jostle to have their candidates lined up at all costs.
Professor Tinyiko Maluleke said the battle around the resolution was peculiar because the ANC had voluntarily taken it at its conference without it being imposed by courts or other external forces, adding that the party was poised for a protracted litigation from those affected.
“This is likely to worsen the divisions if they go to court and litigate in numbers. On the other hand, it will be good for the upcoming elections because this sends the message that the party recognises its problems and is trying to address them. What will be left of the ANC by election time is something else however,” he said.
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