Gauteng ANC worried about anarchists
2011-10-05 14:24
Johannesburg - A "notorious gang of anarchists" is attempting to destabilise the Gauteng ANC, the party said on Wednesday.
"We are very concerned about what appears to be a well-funded and co-ordinated campaign to try and destabilise not only Tshwane, but the entire province of Gauteng," provincial secretary David Makhura told reporters in Johannesburg.
"Our investigation will expose the hidden hand of business people who are fuelling and financing activities that seek to disrupt the functioning of the ANC."
Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa was elected as the party's Tshwane leader during an election held at the weekend.
In a parallel meeting, apparently held by a group of disgruntled party members, Mafika Mahlangu was elected chairperson.
Makhura blamed Mahlangu for the confusion.
Dirty money
"The gathering was organised by a notorious gang of anarchists, most of whom have disciplinary cases," he said.
"They have lots of money, and we don't know where it comes from. We suspect that they have dirty money... they are armed and some of them were involved in heists."
Mahlangu and seven others had been suspended from the party, and would face disciplinary hearings at a later date.
Makhura said: "They are not using political means and due process. We are not going to be blackmailed. We will always be directly involved in bringing order to the ANC."
Earlier it was reported that the dissident group boycotted the Tshwane elective meeting because members believed their branches were being neglected.
Political entrepreneurs
They felt this was because of their support of President Jacob Zuma in the run-up to the ANC national conference next year.
Makhura said there had been no discussions on the so-called succession plan.
"The national leadership has said this is an ongoing process, and we would only be able to discuss it [publicly] before nominations open."
He said other groups were starting to mobilise, and could disrupt more meetings before next year's conference.
"If we do not stop this, similar incidents will occur on a national level. Imagine if there are two national conferences next year," he said.
"[These] political entrepreneurs thrive on chaos, anarchy and factionalism. They have been well-orchestrated and our investigation will reveal a lot about them, included who is funding them."
- SAPA
