Factionalism in the ANC has blinded its majority members and supporters in all structures to see and accept the findings of the integrity committee on its members found wanting on PPE matters.
Supporters of the affected members claimed that there is inconsistency in the application of internal processes of the ANC. Yes, members of the ANC have first hand knowledge of internal processes of their organisation than outsiders. Comrades who disagree with the findings of the integrity committee know very well that the findings are correct.
The affected members are challenging the failure of the ANC to suspend all the comrades who were alleged to be involved in corruption in the past. For example, Jacob Zuma, Tony Yengeni, Nomvula Mokonyane, Ace Magashule and Mosebenzi Zwane.
Tony Yengeni was sentenced to four years but only served only four months and is now member of the NEC. In the past some ANC members took the party to court to challenge its decisions and ultimately win their cases.
It is not surprising that some members of the ANC in the North West province refused to vacate their positions as instructed because they believe internal processes were not followed to the latter.
I believe if these members could approach the courts, they might win their case. What makes the ANC members not to trust internal processes of their organisation? IThe ANC has allowed negative factionalism to flourished for the wrong reasons for many years. It has created a precedent by protecting thugs and thieves.
Compromised comrades were deployed to other departments instead of dismissing them, this was done for the sake of unity of the party. The ANC has many good disciplined, ethical and intelligent members, but because of negative factionalism these members are not voted to the NEC.
Structures of the ANC vote for members who make a lot of empty noise about white monopoly capitalists. Once they are appointed as cabinet ministers, they start to eat like pigs.
The ANC should blame itself because unethical behaviour was tolerated for a long time through negative factionalism. Yes, factions help to broaden and diversify a political party's appeal.
But in the case of the ANC is the opposite as both factions to some extent are not fighting to root out corruption, but to protect their comrades who are alleged to be involved in corruption. The ANC has made a big mistake by taking collective responsibility to protect unethical leaders and members alleged to have been involved in corruption.
It is now very difficult or possible to take decisive actions against cardres alleged to be involved in corruption. First, factionalism in the ANC is not necessarily differences in its policies. It is about equal opportunity to have access to state tenders and positions in government departments/institutions.
Secondly, all comrades alleged to be involved in corruption should be treated equal as they are all thieves. What is happening in the ANC reminds me of the book The Devil On The across by Ngugi wa Thiongo where h said: "A thief is a thief. There will be no thieves with special privileges.
A thief is a thief, and motive is not important. We should all be allowed to enter the competition and compete freely. A robber is a robber...." All members and supporters of the ANC are aware that factionalism within the party is not about policies, but who should have access to state tenders.
Should the ANC treat all comrades alleged to be involved in corruption equally, there will be noise. Unfortunately this cannot happen as the resources looted do not belong to the ANC but the South African public.
The ANC is also aware about effects of negative factionalism but there is nothing that the party can do as most members and supporters do not care about corruption.
Now, the fighting in the ANC is in the public space. Why is there negative factionalism in the ANC? When did negative factionalism start in the ANC? Who started negative factionalism in the ANC? Who bewitched the ANC to be in a state of negative factionalism? Who are benefiting from negative factionalism? What would happen to the country while ANC members and supporters are fighting? Those who still believe that there are no factions in the ANC are blinded by loyalty.
Whenever Pule Mabe asked by journalist about comrades alleged to be involved in corruption, he mentions only Khuselo Diko spokesperson of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
How about others alleged to be involved in corruption? Does it not affect the function of the government as the ANC is the government of the day? I believe it does as it affect service delivery as funds are channeled to politicians and members of the ANC. In my view, the ANC allows factionalism to mushroom as some senior leaders turn a blind eye as they also benefit from the loot. ANC comrades who are found guilty by a court of law do not want to go to jail.
They want a political solution to resolve an issue that is not political. This is utter nonsense. Criminals should face the wrath of the law.
-N'wabvenula Phangani is a Sowetan reader
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