Chikane won't comment on letter
2007-12-10 18:05
Johannesburg - Reverend Frank Chikane would not make any public comment on a letter he wrote to the ANC National Executive Committee reportedly expressing concern about political developments that could tear the party apart ahead of its 52nd national conference.
"The African National Congress (ANC) has noted a number of media reports regarding a letter written by ANC National Executive Committee member Frank Chikane directed to the NEC relating to organisational matters," an ANC statement read.
"The ANC wishes to reiterate that this matter was raised as an issue for internal discussion in a manner consistent with the practices of the organisation.
"Reverend Chikane has indicated that, respecting internal ANC processes, he will not make any public comment on the letter or any related matters," ANC spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso said in the statement.
According to Independent Online, Chikane wrote to the NEC - which meets on Monday - expressing concern about developments ahead of the conference, at which the party's new leadership will be elected.
"(I)t is very clear that the conflict... is all about positions, power, patronage, access to resources, tenders, etc... About personal interests rather than the interests of the people," an extract from the letter read.
"The ANC belongs to the majority of the people of South Africa who paid dearly in the struggle for liberation.
"If we allow this strange cadre to capture the ANC and use it for selfish interests... the cost of this trajectory will be disastrous for the people of South Africa, especially the poor, and for the rest of the world that believes and has put its trust in the ANC.
"This is a cry from the wilderness and I hope that you will react to it with the urgency it requires."
- SAPA