Rumours of ANC breakaway party
2008-09-28 09:07
Lizel Steenkamp
Cape Town - A new political party formed by a breakaway faction of the ANC could tackle the ruling alliance next year come election time.
There are rumours of behind-the-scenes campaigning and that key proponents of the party are busy canvassing support from ANC members. But senior ANC leaders and supporters of former president Thabo Mbeki would not confirm anything.
Members of the ANC's NEC and national working committee denied talk of rebellion this week and said this was "speculation".
"History shows what happens to a group breaking away from the ANC. They don't get anywhere. Look at the PAC and the UDM today. They disappeared into one-party groups. No, the ANC is not worried about a new party," said Jeff Radebe, Minister of Transport.
Another NEC member and ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte, also shrugged off the rumours. "We would like to see the new party. Who is their leader? We will have to wait and see."
Duarte denied that the decision to recall Mbeki had deepened division in the ANC.
A possible rift in the ruling party seemed more likely than ever on Wednesday when half of the ANC delegates boycotted the official provincial congress in Cape Town.
Supporters of Mbeki and axed Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool, held a separate meeting in Langa. But Duarte said this had nothing to do with Mbeki's resignation. "The Western Cape has always been divided. We are very strong at ground level. We have no problems," said Duarte.
Professor Kader Asmal, ANC member and former minister, said the ANC would be foolish if it ignored division in the party. "It is very important that the ANC acknowledges these differences and addresses them seriously."
- Rapport