Talks unproductive - Lekota
2008-10-13 16:01
Johannesburg - Former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota, who has threatened to form a
breakaway party to challenge the ANC, said on Monday that his
talks with a senior party official had not bridged differences.
Talk Radio 702 quoted Lekota as describing
his meeting with ANC treasurer-general Mathews Phosa as an
"unconvincing and unproductive exercise".
Lekota, who quit as defence minister in protest at the
party's ousting of former president Thabo Mbeki last month, has
indicated that the African National Congress is close to a split
and that he may form a new party ahead of next year's elections.
The breakaway group would represent the biggest split in
Africa's oldest political party for 50 years.
Warning against factionalism
The ANC issued a tough warning against factionalism after
Lekota's meeting with Phosa.
"Whatever grievances or concerns any ANC members may have,
that does not give them a licence to defy decisions of ANC
structures, to destabilise the organisation, or to engage in
factional activity," said an ANC statement.
Lekota has accused the ANC of betraying its principles and
said its has been hijacked by followers of ANC president Jacob Zuma.
He has called for a congress of forces opposed to the ANC's
current policies and direction.
Analysts have said a breakaway party would be hard-pressed
to secure enough funding and get organised ahead of elections
due around April of next year.
Mbeki was forced out last month and replaced by Kgalema
Motlanthe after a judge accused him of meddling in a graft case
against Zuma. Motlanthe is expected to step down after next
year's elections.