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ANC acts to limit Mbeki fallout
06/10/2008 08:06  - (SA)  

Want to know more?
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  • Pieter du Toit, Beeld

    Cape Town - A worried African National Congress (ANC) acted hurriedly this weekend to try to limit the damage caused by its decision to recall former president Thabo Mbeki, by deploying the party leadership to the provinces to explain the decision at grassroots level.

    Despite official denials, informed sources say some of the senior leaders realise that the present damage could have a detrimental effect on the party's performance in next year's elections.

    Apparently this argument is now taking preference over the views of alliance leaders Blade Nzimande (SACP) and Zwelinzima Vavi (Cosatu), who say the party should simply get rid of unhappy members such as Mosiuoa Lekota.

    The meetings with strategic branches and key provincial leaders coincided with a summit of governing alliance leaders in Johannesburg.

    ANC president Jacob Zuma cancelled a planned visit to the Eastern Cape to attend this meeting.

    Public rebuke

    This follows a controversial decision by Lekota to publicly rebuke the ANC, which unleashed a virulent reaction from the party and sparked persistent rumours about a possible split in the ANC.

    Lekota said on Sunday that support from fellow party members who share his feelings has been overwhelming.

    "There are many who share my views on the issue," he said.

    He sent another letter to ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe this weekend, in which he reminded him that the ANC and the SA Communist Party are not one and the same (Mantashe is also secretary-general of the SACP).

    Lekota reminded Mantashe that the ANC and the SACP have always been separate entities and that the ANC cannot allow the SACP to prescribe to the organisation.

    The reply to Lekota's first letter (written by Jeff Radebe) was unsatisfactory, because none of the burning issues Lekota had raised was discussed.

    "I sadly take note of the veiled threat of suspension. It is a pity, because that is usually what bullies do when they cannot offer you convincing answers to your questions," he said in the letter.

    The ball is now in their court, he said on Sunday.

    Breakaway party

    Lekota did not want to speculate about the rumours of a breakaway party, but he said that "judged simply by the number of people who are unhappy, [these rumours] cannot be ignored".

    ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) said they are not planning to meet Lekota.

    She confirmed that the party leadership used the weekend to explain the NEC's decision to recall former president Thabo Mbeki to its branches and added that the issue had been discussed in detail.

    Although the wisdom of this step was initially questioned, it has had a positive outcome.

    The recent controversy and public strife would not harm the party, she said.

    - Beeld



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      They should
    06/10/2008 08:18
    have done the explaining before recalling Mbeki. In their haste to get rid of him they let their hatred to cloud their judgement.Methinks it is too late. - Godfrey
     
      ANC HAS CHANGED A LOT AND IS
    06/10/2008 08:30
    Such a great movement has been destroyed by former IFP Blade Nzimande and his croniesIt is not the ANC that it was during the liberation of all South African people but a power hungry ,corrupt and war cry movement.One wonders whether it has copied the ideals of IFP seeing that Blade calls the shots. - scorpion
     
      ANC/SACP
    06/10/2008 08:31
    Can the ANC explain why Gwede hold the same position for 2 different parties? I think Terror has a point. - Thabo
     
      Sour grapes
    06/10/2008 08:32
    Unemployment amongst blacka stands at around 60%, black poverty increased during Mbeki's watch. The idea of a new breakaway party was floated by whites (DA)and black uncle toms, but the black masses are not going buy that. It's time white South Africans realise that they can not plant ideas into black people's minds any longer like they used to do in Apartheid times. It's over. Unified Black rule is here to stay. Dubai, Australia, NZ are an option for whites, thbe sooner they leave the better - Geyser
     
      Meanwhile...
    06/10/2008 08:33
    Meanhwhile, crime is still out of control, services are not being delivered, poverty stricken people will still remain in the same position where they are. Every policy and governing related issue takes a back seat while the ANC fights for power amongst themselves. Nice one guys... - Mickey
     
      3rd force
    06/10/2008 08:36
    I am surprised none of those clowns have come out and said theres a third force behind all this (lol) - ivan
     
      So typically ANC
    06/10/2008 08:37
    By simply downplaying an imminent splinter party emerging,is really a losers` form of denial,and the ANC`S got their back`s against a wall,no amount denial and threats is going to change that.This should be seen as a revelation for South Africans because now after the fall of APARTHEID there is finally hope for all who simply just want good and righteous governance. - fatman
     
      ANC in denial?
    06/10/2008 08:44
    It seems every time Jesse Duarte opens her mouth she moves firther and further away from the truth. The split in the ANC is as plain as daylight to the rest of the country, but the continual denials do nothing but make the Markets and the citizens of South Africa more anxious. When will polititians learn that the truth, no matter how bad, calms the voters and allows trust in the democratic system to strengthen. - Sven Gohre
     
      Too early to split
    06/10/2008 08:45
    I think Terror and Co should do what JZ and Friends did - when faced with a challenge fight it from within own structures. The vibrancy we see now is a result of competition within the ANC and one would expect the ANC to correct itself rather than through a splinter party. A splinter party should be the last resort. Let these dicarded cadres prove themselves - maybe they are not generally corrupt as most people think. - Mulalo
     
      For the record
    06/10/2008 08:45
    Gwede Mantashe is not the secretary-general of SACP, but chairman. That makes him a non-office bearer of the SACP. He is only an ANC office-bearer. - Abby
     
      Geyser, are you nuts?
    06/10/2008 08:48
    Geyser, do you realise why South Africa has the strength it does? It is because Western civilisation brought roads, electricity, water reticulation, business systems..the list goes on and on. You may not like this statement, but it is the truth - go back and examine history. But all you can go on about in your blind hatred is the bad stuff. The truth is that if all the Whites left tomorrow, the country would collapse. So knock it off. We all need one another.An attitude like yours doesn't help. - alan
     
      Who does the ANC represent?
    06/10/2008 08:51
    I've been a member of the ANC all my life, mainly because of what it stood for. The structures within the ANC allowed for all to have their voices heard. Now I shudder to think that the NEC decided to "Recall" Mbeki and then they go to the masses to explain why. Aren't they supposed to get the mandate from the masses. The current situation is an insult to the people who sacrificed their lives to fight for our rights. - Abongile
     
      ANC not SACP
    06/10/2008 08:53
    Well done Blade, the mastermind behind Mbeki's downfall. I hope your score has been settled now. - Khaya
     
      Geyser go take a hike
    06/10/2008 09:00
    Surely you do not believe such hogwash Geyser? Are you openly telling the white population to leave the country? First of all, one would think that you would have thought a bit before placing such close-minded statements on a website with such a big readership. Secondly I think that you need to recognise that there is no need for dividng the people of this country into race groups. We all live here and should strive together to build this place and create a positive sentiment. Wake up... - LOL
     
      Fly Like a Butterfly - Sting like a B.E.E.
    06/10/2008 09:02
    ?Thank God my granddaddy got on that boat.? That was Mohammed Ali, when asked about his impression of Africa after a trip there (he beat George Foreman in Zaire). - Nelsons Eye
     
      Go blow off steam
    06/10/2008 09:05
    Somewhere else geyser, whites are here to stay and pick up all the pieces once the ANC falls apart, and it will happen. - Paul
     
      Geyser, use your brain!
    06/10/2008 09:05
    Geyser, That is such a narrow minded, idiotic view. Of course you are entitled to 8your opinion, but maybe use your brain a little before running your mouth off. There is way for everyone in this country to make it work, and work well, if the leaders start putting country ahead of themselves, and 'lead' all the people. Views like yours make us go backwards- keep it to yourself please! - wishfull
     
      ANC - BULLIES
    06/10/2008 09:06
    The ANC is nothing but a team of bullies. They are being prescribed by the Youth Branch, the Communist Party and Cosatu. If this is the future of South African politics .... God help us. - Francois
     
      Too late to apologise
    06/10/2008 09:07
    The decision to recall Mbeki was done without consultation of ANC Members on the ground. ANC NEC wanted to settle some score with Mbeki forgeting that every ANC Members knew all the mistakes and the goodies that Mbeki did. ANC members felt the pain of electricity crisis, HIV and Aids and living in poverty line. Any one can do mistakes but most important thing is to consider what to do rectifying mistakes. Mbeki tried his best. Haste NEC decisions deepens the devisions. it's 2 LATE 2 apologise - Lucky Raphala
     
      @Geyser
    06/10/2008 09:08
    Geyser...you have some nasty steam, bro'...go blow it off some place else. SA is not for you! - Ronnie
     
      Its too late
    06/10/2008 09:08
    Its too late and we cannot support these hooligans, Gwede and company. We want another party and we will continue to campaign for the weakening of the ANC. This is not the ANC we know and we wont change our mind.We are really tired of them. - Percentage
     
      MANTASHE NOT SECTRETARY OF SACP
    06/10/2008 09:10
    maybe Terror has really lost it or the article is intended to mislead. The SACO Secretary General is Dr Blade Ndzimande and not Gwede Mantashe - Zet
     
      I will not leave, geyser!!
    06/10/2008 09:10
    I will not leave this beautiful country of mine because of people like you Geyser, so dream on. - Proudly South Africean
     
      Geyser is an idiot
    06/10/2008 09:11
    Please man, we white South Africans are going nowhere, so get used to it, its our country too... Born and bred. And if no-one can break the bonds of the ANC, what are you so worried about? - Proud South African
     
      MANTASHE NOT SECTRETARY OF SACP
    06/10/2008 09:14
    maybe Terror has really lost it or the article is intended to mislead. The SACO Secretary General is Dr Blade Ndzimande and not Gwede Mantashe - Zet
     
      Sour grapes
    06/10/2008 09:17
    This is the most racist comment i have heard in a long time - White South African
     
      Recall of cde Thabo.
    06/10/2008 09:23
    The recall of cde Thabo a few months before a general election was a tactical blunder,motivated more by revenge than persuit of the NDR.Time and space were non-existent factors when the decision was made.History will judge us very harshly because whatever Thabo's shortcomings,2 wrongs don't make a right. - Ryder
     
      Thank you Blade, Gwede and VaVi
    06/10/2008 09:24
    It took more than decades + blood + banishment + torture etc to build a revolutionary vanguard movement like the ANC. It took 3 political imbeciles (Blade, Gwede and VaVi) who are suffering from political meningites to wipe out all that legacy... congratulations guys...unfortunately with your fuzzed up political orientation you are not capable of realising the damage you have done. - truce
     
      This is what ANC always needed.
    06/10/2008 09:25
    ANC has always dealt with differing views in a respectful way and those who differed were never purged or insulted. This is the different ANC, arrogant and controlled by imbeciles and juveniles. They never thought of the backlash once Mbeki was gone. He might have been aloof and arrogant himself, but he was a master in his own league, he was never bigger than the ANC as was made to be. The damage was never calculated or anticipated. - Libembe
     
      ANC ANC ANC every day!
    06/10/2008 09:27
    The would not been a fallout in the ANC had the president heeded the call to not contest the election leading up to Polokwane. As a statesman , he should have said "the people have spoken" and allowed JZ to swiftly move into no 1 position without the damaging electoral drubbing that he made us watch on TV. Part of the problem in the ANC stems from there but I just wonder whether the ANC would have wanted to have a "Life President." Now the loser want to create another party! - aubrey
     
      alan
    06/10/2008 09:34
    Alan, it seems as if you think whites are superior than blacks, if you do go straight to the nearest hell old government wanted best things for whites only, best education, work the lot your attitude sucks big time whites are not better than blacks. You should get that on your thick white skull - Thabo
     
      Soul of the ANC
    06/10/2008 09:34
    Mbeki was stated that ANC supporters must not allow the ANC to be hijacked. People thought he was mad and desperate. In the 1950's Tambo, Sisulu and Mandela opposed SACP. Today SACP has totally obliterated the ANC. Gwede is a chairman of SACP and a Secretary of ANC. Guess whose ideas is he articulating?? - Zolile
     
      @Geyser
    06/10/2008 09:37
    I want to state that Geyser's damaging comments are typical of the new ANC. Instead of addressing the problem, they would rather blame someone else. See Jeff's response to Terror. So to our fellow white compatriots, be strong and ignore such arrogant and uninformed comments - Zolile
     
      I am desparately in need of a job
    06/10/2008 09:37
    I am a qualified person with University qualification and I really need a job, I am suffering and I can't support my family, can anyone help me. - Jobless
     
      anc is not the some
    06/10/2008 09:40
    no mether what we can say anc is not the some. we all undestand that mbeki was wrong by recalling zuma. but the quetion is, why they do the some thing that mbeki did ? this shows that is not about rebuilding the organisation but is about revenge. i think and believe that if we are going to be leaded by such a type of leader ship, we dont go nowhere. - zwelibi diba
     
      ANC Propaganda
    06/10/2008 09:44
    Everything is fine South Africa. Go back to sleep. - Sinudeity@Gmail.com
     
      New Party
    06/10/2008 09:47
    Check out for ANC of SA , i.e ANC'SA - City
     
      @ Alan
    06/10/2008 09:47
    Am not trying to support geyser's statement, but Alan i think you nutty yourself. What makes you think that this country is living at the mercy of white people??? You might have have the minority in terms of poverty but that's because you guy took advantage of black people so please don't come here & make such non-sense statements. Whites were never & will never be supporters of ANC that's why the majority supports the break away coz they want to see ANC collapse. - Proudly black
     
      Aubrey : Loser = Zuma
    06/10/2008 09:48
    Hes the one who's been acting unconstitutionally. But thank you to your mbeki and zuma for causing the ANC infighting :) Its great news for Democracy in South Africa. - Sinudeity@Gmail.com
     
      Geyser - Whites Planting Ideas
    06/10/2008 09:52
    Thats Zuma and the ANC's job. Subliminally filling you with propaganda. There is no arms-scam, no MP's were involved in Travelgate. Our chief of police and head of ANC is not a criminal. The SACP is NOT in control of the ANC, and the ANCYL does not have a militant ape running it. The ANC is being run by upstanding citizens who only have the best for South Africa on their hearts. How do I add a big sarcasm action? - Sinudeity@Gmail.com
     
      Ouch!
    06/10/2008 09:56
    It must be painful to the memories of the once proud freedom fighters. This struggle for power must surely be the final breakup of the once strong unified ANC!. This is all about greed and nothing more. You have a man in jail for bribing Mr. Zuma yet he is fighting his ass of to deny his part although the evidence was enough to convict Shaik. This man that is bribable is now going to head our nation. Can nobody see the fault in allowing that? The ANCYL president is acting like a looney! - Francois
     
      Mbeki & Mandela were moderates. ANC & NEC are now???
    06/10/2008 10:05
    In my opinion, redicals & have their own extreme political agenda. TM & Mandela tried their best to balance the scales & retain original values, but the reformed ANC & NEC are now breaking away form traditional vision & supporting the same principles as those by our northern neighbour (Zim). The best that can happen IS a split in the autocratic powerbase of the ANC, then real democracy may be born. Still waiting for the new Non-biased / non-Racial / etc... party & leader to be born & vote for. - Matrix
     
      Let the nation know
    06/10/2008 10:05
    How about letting the nation know the real reasons President Thabo Mbeki was recalled. You hear so many stories but the nation has still to know the truth on what grounds. To tell you the honest truth the ANC have botched up. Never mind telling their branches on ground level. THE NATION NEEDS TO KNOW THE TRUTH FOR ONCE!!!!!!!! - jorene
     
      Where are the Intellectuals
    06/10/2008 10:07
    I pray on a daily basis for the ANC to break. I cannot imagine our country been led by uneducated bunch of people that we are currently manning the ANC. Where are the Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Professors, Economists, People with Masters degrees from the current leadership. Our country is definitely going down the drain with this power hungry individuals. - pc
     
      VIVA NEW ANC VIVA
    06/10/2008 10:07
    More than half of the member of our branch will join the new party because we were roped & tricked to vote for pro-ZUMA guy. I also think the new party will do well in next year?s election even if they can not win. The fact of the matter is that they will deny the ZUMA ANC three third majority. - Jackes
     
      New ANC
    06/10/2008 10:11
    Funny how corruption is overlooked in the Government. NO action taken on the MP's who defrauded us of a couple of million for Travelgate. NO repercussions from the Armsgate debacle. ANC supporters, PLEASE answer me this. Are you AWARE of all the corruption? Or is it third force lies? Or are you completely ignorant to the robbery of taxpayer monies? - Sinudeity@Gmail.com
     
      @Geyser, three months left, Then NZ.
    06/10/2008 10:14
    Your obvious hatred of all non-black people will eventaully hurt you & all your racist buddies, financially, competency (skills & ability), management (incl. communications)& adaptability, etc... Obviously not core components of your leadership / political party / racist group you support. Miracles will happen when you change your negative to positive attitude. We all can, you just dont want to - Matrix
     
      Tough times for the Liberation Movement!
    06/10/2008 10:21
    these are trying times for the ANC, SACP & COSATU. It is unfortunate that these developments take place when the tripartite alliance is expected to focus on the upcoming elections.The most serious challenge for the movement is to cement unity and cohesion. We cant afford to loose voters, because once people like the respected Arch Bishop Tutu threaten to boycott elections, this signal a threat to the revolution. The people are history makers and indeed they must provide mandate through elections! - Ketso
     
      ANC IS DEAD
    06/10/2008 10:21
    i ama the senior member of ANC and i believe it without a dout that ANC is dead.i don't even think i will vote nest year,how can we vote for irrisponsible leaders who always want to suit themselves than helping the nation.do u think CLOSED MINDED ZUMA CAN BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE,I DON'T THINK SO.lte's look to what will be the feture of our country with zuma as a president,i rather vote fo DA OR ANY OTHER PARTY. - MUILA KHULISO
     
      @Zolile
    06/10/2008 10:26
    I'm with you dude. The haters will destroy themselves and the rest of us can work together building this country to it's full potential. We all have a part to play. - Rian
     
      Mantu
    06/10/2008 10:27
    At least she is in a no-brains required position. Thank GOODNESS for that. And it seems the new Minister of Health doesn't believe in censorship. Heck, or bogus remedies for that matter. THANK YOU ANC split :) 1 IDIOT out, 199 more to go. - Sinudeity@Gmail.com
     
         
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