The announcement by Mosioua Lekota this morning that he will call a convention to form a new political party that will contest the election next year is obviously going to shake up South Africa’s politics. Lekota’s statement suggests that the new party will try and position itself as the “true” ANC while painting Jacob Zuma and his supporters as having betrayed the values of the Freedom Charter and the principles espoused by the ANC.
It is too early to tell what impact this move will have on the ANC’s electoral fortunes. Much will depend on how many people – grassroots organisers and other members – within the ANC decide to join this new formation and to what extent the new formation can convince voters that its members are acting out of principle and not because of sour grapes. Much will also depend on how the ANC leadership deals with this move.
Some might argue that the timing of this move to form a new party will hamper the new formation because they have very little time before the next election to establish a grassroots presence all over South Africa. Running an election campaign is a difficult task requiring special skills, hard work and lots of money.
But the timing might actually work in favour of the new grouping. If enough disgruntled ANC MPs and party members feel that they have been marginalised by the Zuma leadership, they might be prepared to give up their positions to fight for the new party as they might feel they have nothing to lose.
If this had happened just after the election (and given the fact that floor crossing is being scrapped) many ANC members might not have joined the new formation because it would have spelt the end of their jobs. But if the Zuma faction acts in an arrogant manner and fails to send signals to the Mbeki faction that their jobs are safe, many of them might jump ship. This will provide the new party with an instant grassroots presence and organisational structure that might be able to make electoral inroads.
This is a huge test for Zuma, Motlathe and Mantashe because I am sure the first reaction of the hotheads within the ANC NEC will be to act in an arrogant and dismissive way towards the new party and towards those who feel disgruntled by recent events within the ANC. If these hotheads are not reighned in, the ANC might hemmorrage members to the new party who will then have instant structures on the ground to help it mobilise for the election.
Meanwhile, expect the politics to get rather dirty over the next few months. Those who leave the ANC may well have some secrets that it might want to tarnish their old party and old comrades with. I would not be surprised if we have a few sensational leaks to the Sunday Times in the next few weeks regarding ANC corruption and finances.
The ball is now in the ANC’s court. How will the leadership deal with this crisis? If the Malema’s of the world have their say, they will deal with it in a disasterous manner, so if I was Lekota I would hope that – like with the firing of Mbeki – the reasonable people within the ANC are not listened to.
Prof Let me be the first to inform you it is NOT going to survive. First to form a political party you not only need individual leaders but you need followers, supporters. Now all of us know that takes time. To overcome an movement that is in every rural area, location and surbub in this country will definetly not take a month or six. The ANC was built through sweat and blood and for 96 years this gaint of Africa has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.
So realy I don’t see it working niether do I give it my blessings. One other important aspect is to be in touch with the people ( in the anc we call them the masses). Relate with them and understand their challenges. Now can someone tell me which masses is lekota, smuts, george or shilowa in touche with. Since their appointments in goverment they have been aloof from the general populace. In Polokwane they where not even supported by their own provinces and regions. So realy who is going to join their dommed party. Surely not me.
Anyway this is a blessing indisguise. The people will see them for what they are. The rotten potatoes will be out box. Let them bring that party on.
Now I think we should proclaim WE ARE READY TO KILL FOR THE ANC!!!
I cannot wait; I am tired of this traditional ANC leadership. Even if the party does get the upper hand in the coming elections then at least the “ZumANC” will have better opposion which will keep it in check. Very few things are better in any democratic country than an opposition which is alive and alert, coupled with an independent judiciary the role of which cannot be over-stated…
It was hard to disagree with Lekota’s contention that key principles of the Freedom Charter (and our constitution) are being sacrificed on the alter of individual interests and that this amounts to a betrayal of those persons who laid down their lives for these principles.
He put his finger on various matters which many ordinary South Africans have found deeply disturbing about events within the ANC over the last year.
It would be interesting if such a party is established and one gets the same split as at Polokwane 60/40 – that will surely blow the ANC’s chances to keep on meddling with the Constitution and borders (gerrymandering) as they have done up to now. Yesterday or so I saw on News 24 that Paul Mashatile said that the disgruntled people who have been angered by their being transferred from Gauteng to North West (and who lost a Constitutional Court bid to overturn the legislation and Constitutional change) will be the first to benefit from his new Premiership – and that he is working towards a legislative process that will transfer them back to Gauteng. This fancy footwork is clearly aimed at attracting votes during the next election. Why were they trasferred in the first place? … Political and Constititional Hooliganism I would say. Well, such a split might even work favourably in the whole disbanding-of-the-Scorpions saga.
Even though I do not have too much trust in Mosioua Trevor (‘Terror’) Lekota [I tried him once shortly after his release from Robben Island ... no further details given for fear of losing my anonyminity] being up to the job of being a party leader (or one of the leadres), I think such a move is a clever and a good one. And I hope the new party gets lotsa support.
I think this will guarantee Kaglema keeps the presidency – the basis for the new party revolves around broadbased disgust with the brazen criminality of the new ANC, and they will have to push their respectable face forward.
Prof – The way I read the report on News 24, Lekota actually called for a speciaf conference by the ANC to see whether the problems cannot be sorted out, and that he only said that “this may be a perting of ways”. He, according to the report, sopped short of anouncing a conference on which breakaway party would be established. I think you might just have jumped the gun here
Mouse, Lekota when asked whether he will contest the elections said: “of course we will contest the elections”. As I read his statement he was merely trying to say that the breakaway from the ANC will be the ANC’s fault and that a new party will be formed at the conference.
Actually – I’m not sure it is the reporters that are not thorough in their reporting or whether lekota is talking in riddles and in the process contradicting himself. The latest article on news 24 does not really help – http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/Politics/0,,2-7-12_2406218,00.html
Thanks Prof. I’ve been reading the second article now – i di not listen to the interview. His utterances during the news conference are characteristically full of inconsistencies and innuendo’s that are difficult to understand – asked whether he is seeking a conference with the ANC with a view to seek marriage counseling, he said thatt they are actually filing for a divorce.
Anonymouse // Oct 8, 2008 at 11:27 am
“no further details given for fear of losing my anonyminity]”
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Are you trying to elicit curiousity?:?
Anonymouse // Oct 8, 2008 at 11:27 am
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I am now checking the records of the Delmas Treason Trial… should I stop?
The real danger is that the defections may actually show that the invincibility of ANC is a myth. The liberation movements are always strongest during the fight and early years of government. They mostly end up finding that running government and party mobilisation are quite different challenges. After 1994, people need new reason to support a party that even liberated them. There is a moving target. History alone will not save the ANC.
Kgalema was right to meet Lekota. There is need for levelheadedness. The stupid semi-literate verbal diarrhaea we have heard in the last few months will weaken the party more.
Well, what do I know…Zanu is not ANC!
T // Oct 8, 2008 at 11:25 am
“Now I think we should proclaim WE ARE READY TO KILL FOR THE ANC!!!”
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I would be very interested to know exactly who you are planning on killing?
Sne
He was arrested and released a couple of times before that it seems.
z // Oct 8, 2008 at 12:46 pm
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I am almost positive he will ask me to stop; believe me. Otherwise I will post his name here. They were three in that trial. There was a judge, a professor of law and him as the magistrate…
eish WWTMD?
T // Oct 8, 2008 at 11:25 am
“Now I think we should proclaim WE ARE READY TO KILL FOR THE ANC!!!”
Ha ha ha, keep it up T and watch the splinter turn into a tsunami. LOL
It was amazing yesterday on SAFM where people could phone in and voice their opinion on what Tutu had said.
One guy was very militant and upset with Tutu, saying:
“Respect is not inherted, you must earn respect”
I couldn’t help but laugh at him saying that about Tutu, a nobel peace prize winner.
but the worse part was:
“he must only speak when requested to do so”
People like him (and some commentators here) unwittingly confirm what Lekota was saying.
Oh and you gotta love that their critique of Lekota et al is that they follow a person and not the organisation! What a laugh coming from the “kill for Zuma” guys.
My point aptly illustrated by ANCYL’s unveiling of a Zuma pen!!!
“The ANC Youth League … unveiled an item it described as one of the main “social corporate investments” by its financial arm, Lembede Investment Holdings.
The item in question is a pen. But it is no ordinary ballpoint.
Click it and a small window on the side scrolls through information about ANC president Jacob Zuma – his date of birth, where he was born, how long he spent in jail on Robben Island and when he joined the ANC.
… the pen would educate the country’s youth about Zuma.”
From: http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=594&art_id=vn20081007114926381C693902
Sne
I really have to get your number, hehe!
z // Oct 8, 2008 at 1:29 pm
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Mouse has been going on and on about his identity remaining unknown as though there was an attempt to unveil it. I decided today to have a go at it and I believe I have cracked it; shows just how “non-anonymous” Anonymouse really is…
Hi Prof, what are the chances? – A conference is going to be held, as announced. The conference will certainly be attended by disgruntled ANC members, and other “interested” ANC members. Remembering a 40/60 split at Polokwane was before the dirty tricks campaign of ousting TM, some of the 60% might now feel differently after the way TM was treated and the renewed militant revolutionary rhetoric post Polokwane. A resolution is taken to reconstitute the NEC, and to reconstitute ANC resolutions and policies. SACP and COSATU are ousted and told to run on their own ticket. A new vision and leadership in the ANC with a revived commitment to the “Freedom Charter”. A whole new ball game with an intact, rejuvinated ANC?
z // Oct 8, 2008 at 1:29 pm
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I forgot to clarify. It was the judge who presided over the case but Mouse (as the magistrate) and the professor were merely acting as assessors.
The professor though was fired by the judge (Kees van Dijkhorst) after allegations that the professor signed a petition widely circulated by UDF affiliates. Former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson was the head of the defence term in that case.
Mouse, are you sure I must continue because I might reveal something about the magistrate…?
Sne, if the case is reported it is public information and you can give us the citation. In one of his earlier posts he referred to a SCA judgment which emanated from his Court – I did not take much notice as I was not interested in knowing who he is. Does your revelation match that case?
On a lighter note it seems crime has gotten so bad someone was able to hijack an entire political party!
The jabs at Julius Malema were very entertaining. Best TV I have watched all week.
The few arrogant leaders, members and supporters of the ANC would do well to remember that “he who thinks he is standing should beware he does not fall. ”
I heard the most arragont comments on the radio, statements from listeners saying the ANC would never lose power. Thats not democratic.
The majority of people think a split would be great for democracy and to ensure that the people of the country have the option to vote for based on the parties ethics, values and deliverables, not on the emotional hype created by the history of any one party.
One caller put it nicely, she likened the ANC to Moses, who lead the way to the promised land but because of his imperfections and failings, he himself was not allowed to enter it. …far too many biblical anecdotes in one posting so i will end it here.
michael j, et al
you need to understand the poison that Lekota is proposing. The sole purpose of this convention is to trash the current ANC. Notice that he did not limit the invite to “disgruntled-ANC” members. That would give the convention illegitimacy. What he seems to be wanting to do is to convene a broad church of South African society which then will seek to weaken the ‘disgruntled’ label. So do not be surprised if you see the likes of Holomisa, Boesak, Buthelezi, church and civic leaders etc there.
What is being created here is the nucleus of a future alliance against the ANC in the next elections.
Will it succeed? I have no idea. But its sure going to be interesting.
Sne, Z et Bongs – I think my anonyminity remains unscathed and, if it does become known to any of you, pleeeze don’t reveal?!! I will never be able to blog again, especially here.
No Sne, you can stop on the Delmas trial thing, the magistrate that sat as an assessor there was a Regional Court President, Mr Krugel, and he has long since retired (not even sure he is still alive). He sat with Van Dijkhorst J. No, Terror was tried by myself for something much more innocuous than a political crime – a hint is a traffic offence of some kind – a district court matter. And that was never reported. Just a small little third page article in a newspaper or two. He has recently been involved in a similar matter, where he admitted guilt, a few months ago it was reported in the papers, also just a third page article. Nevertheless, what happened before, during and after the trial before me gave us all involved, I’m sure even Terror, a lot to chuckle about. Even today, if I think back, tears trickle down my face and I contort into uncontrollable laughter. But, enough said, I happened to get you curious, didn’t I? …
Bongs, there are quite a few reported cases that emanated from my court, just one or two going against me, but not seriously, but in none of them have my name ever been mentioned. If you do crack my identity by chance, once again, pleeeze don’t make it public knowledge?!! I can just think about a few lawyers blogging here requesting my recusal in matters where it should not happen, just because I hold different views than they do on totally unrelated matters – lindelani for example!
Khosi – “eish WWTMD?” Does that translate into “eish What will the mouse do?” ??
I just wish this party well. Our freedom needs it to flourish.
Well said Nombuso!!
Mouse,
hahahaahah!!! good one.
love the pen story!
Ah someone read the Zuma pen story!!! (I posted it above, do read it!)
Anonymouse // Oct 8, 2008 at 2:26 pm
“Sne, Z et Bongs – I think my anonyminity remains unscathed and, if it does become known to any of you, pleeeze don’t reveal?!! I will never be able to blog again, especially here.”
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Well, I respect your wishes Mouse and I have stopped the search for your indentity.
Sorry Bongs but the man’s identity must remain anonymous…
Z – yes I love the pen story, absolutely hilarious! It would also explain Julius’ silence since a few weeks ago. … But, Julius Malema’s silence, I think, has not been caused by the ANC leadership, he is currently on a cultural ritual for something, something about the transition from a boy to a man – I’ll not go into too much details thereof, because, those rituals are secret, and I have first-hand knowledge. But, let’s hope his return will demonstrate a much more mature and docile Julius? … The pen, a good idea? Well, if you think your previous criminal record is useful through which to disabuse someone’s mind on your current guilt or innocense, perhaps. But I think a pen illustrating JZ as ‘Mthondo-we-Sizwe’ might have more spunk.
…Anonymouse.
I think i know who you are!
VoVo – pleeze, if you do, don’t say so here? Call me?
Hi Khosi. I am not too sure. In the recent climate of reconciliation within the ANC, maybe Lekota is just the catalyst needed to spark a re think of where the ANC is headed. I have no doubt that the senior leadership (current and past) are devastated as to what is transpiring in the once respected organisation. They say that today, in an NEC meeting, if you throw up a stone, when it falls it is bound to hit a criminal or suspected criminal. The old guard know this, and whether justifiable coming from Lekota, of all people, or not, his reasons for “divorce” are very legitimate. Perhaps this is the time for some serious soul searching within the ANC, and perhaps time for intervention from the likes of Madiba and other senior leaders. I read an invitation between the lines, and if the current leadership value the soul of the ANC and everything the Freedom Charter espouses, an RSVP would be in order. If not, farewell to the ANC as we know it. History in the making.
…2008/01/18
22:44pm, did 189km/hr.
…your number!
VoVo – You are very cold! The incident I was referring to dated from many years prior to this one – and he was involved in more than one similar incidents – you know ‘hair of the dog’? … But, my number, I’ll never divulge that here – I think my IQ is slightly above that of a moron.
hey you guys – go look on wwwDOTNews24′ website under the voting booth. Seems like a landslide majority thinks a new party will unravel the ANC, second are those who would vote for a breakaway party and only 9% thus far voted that such a breakaway will not even cause a ripple. OK, that is just 3500 plus News24 users, and the vote is not scientific, but still!
…2005
Rat,
I think I should call you to order on that ‘@£$$%^ weSizwe’ post. Its vulgar, hurtful and it demeans the spirit of debate.
michael j,
michael j // Oct 8, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I will not dispute that. I am also hoping that it does lead to a reconciliation within the ANC. However, I do not see room for that. I think the proverbial Rubicon has been crossed.
Matthews Phosa came out earlier today saying that there is still going to be engagement with Lekota, et al. But Monthlante spoke to Lekota 2 days ago and, yet, we are where we are today. My question is, what can the ANC tell the Lekota group, about the direction of the ANC, that would make them (Lekota group) change their minds? Remember, if Lekota pulls out of the formation of this party, he stand a chance to loose serious face, at least in the short term. The nation is expecting a party, finish and klaar.
What is clear this time around is that the ANC is seriously worried about a new party contesting against them. Just three weeks ago, Phosa said ‘meet you at the polls’, when asked about a possibility of a new party.
I, for one, think that ANC top brass have realized the mood of the electorate as a mood that is yearning for a new party, hence the softening of their stance, in the face of the threats from Lekota, et al. I find this softer approach quite surprising. Lekota has basically told the leadership of the ANC that it (the leadership) is not equipped to run the ANC the way it was intended to be run. How does one even consider reconciling with such belligerence if their research has not revealed the absolute need to keep the ANC intact.
Also remember, as much as people will shout me down for saying this, a Thabo Mbeki led ANC ran two extremely successful campaigns, with Thabo Mbeki face on the billboard, the poster and the ballot. The comments by JZ and Malema about TM being ropped into the ANC campaign, tells me that their would not want to run against a group that has aligned itself to that face. Or it was just a ploy to pour cold water on the new party idea.
Khosi, I think I agree with your argument about the sudden change in tone of the ANC towards Lekota. They realised their belligerence might have created the impression that they are arrogant and they now fear that some in the electorate might blame them for the split. Now they are back peddling so that they can say: we tried everything and Lekota still left, so he is only in it for his own ambition and he does not respect the traditions of the ANC. That letter by Radebe was a serious misstep by the ANC and they now realise that. Whether a new party will take off is another matter, of course, because half the electorate lives in rural areas and their voices are not heard on SAFM or in the newspaper. If I was Lekota and his backers I would do two things: (1) Run very hard against Zuma, Malema, Vavi and Nzimande and argue that the ANC has been taken over by radicals and hotheads; (2) Very quickly spell out what the new formation stands FOR and why these values are better for ordinary South Africans and how this differs from the values espoused by Vavi et al. I am not so sure they will manage the second aspect very well, but who knows?
Lekota has exposed his buffoonery by allowing himself to be used as a cannon-fodder by his principals who are the “seeping partners” in this “new party” project, anyway they are used to being sleeping partners. He confidently speaks as a self-annointed guardian of democracy, whilst failing to answer the question about the organizational democracy within the ANC which saw the democratic election of Cde JZ and Malema in both Polokwane and Mangaung respectively. I think our attempts in producing sound analysis out of this utter rubbish will be a futile exercise.
What we should perhaps be doing, instead, is to strengthen our branches and make them difficult for any infiltration. I think Lekota and Co. should not be summarily expelled from the ANC, but be summoned before the DC of the ANC and subjected a prolonged disciplinary action, which will frustrate their efforts of wanting to become peace-time heroes in the eyes of our public. They must be made to leave on their own accord, because they are pushing us into expelling them, so that they can look like victims of political purging.
I don’t think the so -called new party will make any significant impact on the support base of the ANC. At the press conference Lekota came across as very bitter. He was unable to rise above his pre-Polokwana’s rhetoric.
I would have thought that the occassion presented an opportunity to show statesmaship and proffer substantive reasons why the majority of South African’s should join the mooted new formation. All things being equal, I am afraid, he fell far short of this expectation.
We should recall the voices which urged Patricia DeLille to form a new party. The same voices were telling all who cared to listen how tired and disillussioned they were with the already existing parties. Yet, when the critical moment came at the polls, very few offered DelIlle’s new party the much needed support. The same fate befell the Roelf Meyer/Holomisa’s formation.
To illustrate the point even further, does anyone remembers Sifiso Nkabinde? He was one of the most popular ANC’s cadres in KZN in the late 80′s and early 90′s. So big was Nkabinde that in my estimation he was second only to Harry Gwala in the popularity stakes in the leadership of the ANC in the province. Yet when he became the founding leader of the UDM in KZN his popularity significantly waned. No, it simply diminished.
Another popular ANC leader in KZN was Bongani Msomi who was also expelled, and he too joined the newly established UDM. Needles to say, he too lost the support he thought he had. Individuals are not bigger than the political parties.
And so it came to pass that the UDM could not muster any significant showing in sucessive elections in KZN despite having provincial heavy weights like Nkabinde and Bongani Msomi behind its name.
The moral of the story? Well, I suppose you can not form a viable political party when you still angry. A lot of thought and startegy has to go into the formation of any formidable party. This requires rational and level-headed heads, rather than a buch of bitter politicians. Ordinary people in this country have long mustered the art of detecting sour grapes. If the impression is formed that the founders of the new political party are just bitter because they lost power, then they are unlikely to marshall substantial support in the forthcoming elections.
At any rate, we should note the general trend since 1994. Roelf Meyer and Holomisa, Patricia De Lille, Themba Sono, Ziba Jiyane, Frank Mdlalose, and Themba Godi (PAC to APC) are just notable examples of leaders who formed break -away parties that have not made any sigificant impact on the support base of their former parties.
The ANC is a brand, and the majority of people who are aggrieved with the Zuma camp are unlikely to abdicate such a rich history and follow Lekota to his political twilight. Many people would rather agitate for a change within the movement in a democratic manner reminiscent of the “Polokwana Revolt”.
I understand the frustration of politicians who few months ago never imagined themselves as followers, but suddenly find themselves in the cold. It’s all about big egos, really. There is no principle involved in this whole circus.
The formation of the new party may say much about an attempt to stroke bruised inflated egos of the Lekota’s, than adding any value to the democratic discourse.
History shows that political leaders who imagine themselves as bigger than their parties soon discover that outside those parties they are like fish without water. Popular support turns out to have been an illussion.
Linda // Oct 8, 2008 at 6:09 pm
“Individuals are not bigger than the political parties”. Thanks a lot Linda, Lekota and his allies should go ahead forming their party, but unfortunately I don’t think people will vote for them…!
khosi:
WWTMD? I believe he will leave the repo rate unchanged tomorrow.
khosi:
WWTMD? It’s pretty much for sure he will leave the repo rate unchanged tomorrow.
WWTMD? He will almost certainly weigh up his options once the SACP dictates the ANC’s economic policies.
WWTMD? Jacob Zuma tells us that he will help the ANC with their forthcoming election campaign.
Sne, Z, Bongs: don’t you dare frighten The Mouse (mus musculus) away from this blog. Because if you do, I promise to flood this discussion area with thousands of the most asinine comments you have ever seen from me, and you will have to do a helluva lot of scrolling.
these are tough times 4 ANC.Divided into 3 classes:A-class N(neutral)-class and C(corrupt )class.By removing Mbeki they were avoinding 2centres of power.Consequently there are 3 centres.
Let us nt forget who is Lekota-a co-founder of UDF,if anyone is worried about followership,I tell u he will get it. Ask Mr Buthelezi how he stole his votes in Natal,last elections.
Well well well, finaly got it. There is a big black cat to catch the mouse for us. I got the key. Some body very kind filled me in. Though I disagreed with the mouse I respected his knowledge and enthusiasim. So will give the mouse five working days to jump around a little and say farewell to the bloggers.
Say bye mouse. You will be finished as Lekota is about to be.
thando // Oct 8, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I’m sorry to the so called Thando..infact your leader (Lekota) is going down…I think you are the only one who is going to vote for him…that man is frustrated and lost!!!
Thando, how did Lekota steal Buthelezi’s votes in Natal? Your account is both factually and historically inaccurate.
Frst, it’s an insult to suggest that before Lekota came to KZN people in the province were an armophous mass behind Buthelezi.
For a proper understanding of the dynamics of the province’s history I suggest you read Nobleman Jabulani Nxumalo’s ground breaking book written under his pseudonym MZALA (en)titled Chief Buthelezi: A Chief With a Double Agenda. Or better still, for a proper understanding of KZN’s history of activism in the 80′s and early 90′s, I suggest you read Mondli Makhanya’s various archived articles (in the Weekly Mail, the Star and the Sunday Times)on the evolution of the mass democratic movement in the province.
When Lekota came out of prison and came down to KZN, there was already an established mass democratic movement leadership in the civic, student, trade union and other underground tructures led by such people as Harry Gwala (before he was re arrested and released in the late eightees), Archie Gumede, Dorothy Nyembe, etc. Of course, Lekota was a brilliant organiser who was generally admired for his skill and tact. Though I was much younger in the late 80′s ( I personally think he made a valauble contribution.
Having been born and bred in KZN, and later becoming its keen politics and history student, I must confess that Thando’s claim (crediting Lekota with ANC success in the province) is the first (of its kind) I,ve come across. Not even the most fervent of Lkota’s supporters have dared crediting him with what Thando attributes (wrongly) to him. I don’t think there are three centres of power in the ANC. Instead, there are spoiler tactics by disillussioned leaders who have not come to terms with their rejection by the ANC rank and file i Polokwane.
@Linda,
Awu, uvuka ekuseni ngo 5 u blog’e. Wayenza indaba uLekota. But, sthandwa sam’ do not under estimate the impact that this split will have in the body politic of SA. Lekota is howling about starting a movement against the ANC. That movement is not just meant to accommodate disgruntled members of the ANC, but anyone who does not want the ‘Malema’s of this world’ to run the country. This movement will position itself as the nucleus and glue that will bind the opposition against the ANC together. As prof would say, moneyquote:
“We must stand up against this deviation, this arrogance. Let the people of South Africa decide whether they want the Malema’s of this world or whether they want sober leadership.”
This guy is seeking to unite all who think the country is on a wrong path, because of people like Malema. Listineng on radio and reading online blogs, there is a lot of people who have that sentiment. So, in business term, there is market potential for this argument to stick. While Lekota is making a noise, people are failing to the poison in what he is proposing. It will not be just another party and as time goes, expect Lekota to take a back seat for someone more measured to become the face of such an initiative. I expect Mbazima Shilowa to take that role, if he is part of this.
Now to say that history is littered with failed splinter groupings is not a very cooked argument in this case, for the following reasons:-
1.) Tenders and government positions. Disgruntled branch members will not be fed by the ‘ANC brand’ and they know that. People’s livehoods are at stake here and to many of these guys, its simple ‘too late to apologize’.
2.) Information society. Our society now has access to so much information that decision are now more informed than before. Remember South Africa has a 80 percent cellphone penetration and a TV set in over 80% of homes and a radio in almost all. And lets face it, the brand ANC has not been getting the best coverage of late. Its much easier to reach the electorate now than it ever was before. The one who uses this wisely, will increase their chance at prevailing.
3.) If the opposition parties become part of the Lekota proposed movement, the new movement will have instant access to more channels to distribute their message. Holomisa has already not ruled out being part of the proposed convention. The DA has said that its willing to talk to Lekota
There are more reasons why history is not necessarily a good teacher when it comes to this instance. What I am trying to highlight is that this Lekota party or whatever it will be, has a better chance at survival that the previous break-aways. My observation is that the opposition in this country will finally have one reference point, and that cannot be good news for the ANC. A not so sanguine ANC supporter would hope the split does not happen. A sanguine will say ‘Good riddance’.
Great post Khosi – just listening to SAFM phone ins this morning (why o why are they still bringing in Seepe as an analyst when we all know that he is a Zuma advisor?? the mind boggles) it is clear that this new party would have some instant traction arising from the sheer distaste poeple feel about the culture, style and criminality of the new ANC.
The biggest problem for the breakaway is the easy target their track records under the Mbeki regime are – AIDS denialism, centralisation of power, crime denial, Selebi protection, messing with institutions, crony friendly economic policies etc etc.
Very interesting times ahead. I pray that this political contestation will not generate much violence.
Khosi, interesting times indeed. If reconciliation is not to be, then I beleive you have got it pretty spot on. I might just add that I dont beleive Lekota will or should be the leader of this new party. As I said previously, I think he is merely the catalyst and a smokescreen for some serious behind the scenes planning and strategising. It has been reported that some considerable financial support has been pledged to the new party on condition of a complete breakaway from the ANC, and in particular the alliance partners. It has also been said that the new party will only be made public once the election date has been announced, enabling parliamentarians to join the new party without jeopardising their financial benefits. Not forgetting the 40% disgruntled Polokwane delegates and any subsequent aggrieved ANC members, plus a large section of the middle to upper classes who have up till now not had a political home, I think this party will be a lot stronger and meaningful than most would like to beleive. That is not even mentioning any coalitions at a later stage. We must also remember that the grounds for “divorce” that Lekota has given, are the exact same reasons that has led most South Africans into some serious debate and disillusionment with the current regime including the ground support of the ANC. We must never under estimate the masses, they share the same morals and “ubuntu” of those in the intelligencia, and basic common sense of the populace will determine the success or failure of the new party. This common sense being the ability to distinguish right from wrong when it comes to corruption, revolution speak, calls to violence and non delivery. The ANC should be worried, very worried.
My apologies for entering at this late stage, but would like to make a brief comment in relation to the formation of this ‘break-away party’. I beleive that in all likelihood it will fail precisly as it seems to be made specifically for only disgruntled mermbers of the ANC. Lekota to my view is simply angry at the loss of his status as a political leader. So what will happen is that an excitment will erupt in relation to this party, elections will be held and the party at most will win a small percentage of the vote thereby ensuring that Lekota has a parliament seat and continues to enjoy the perks he has come to enjoy. Just think about the other so-called break away parties (UDM, PAC, IFP) and tell me whether they pose any real threat against the ANC. Anywhere maybe they will shock and prove me wrong just like the MDC in Zimbabwe done to the then mighty Zanu Pf. But i really doubt it.
Peter – “I pray that this political contestation will not generate much violence.”
I’ve got to agree with you in prayer. If there is one thing this country does not need, it is violence of the kind that happened in Zim when the majority of people at long last came to their senses to understand that, once the struggle was over, they need to look forward and not backward at the legacies of the previous regime while gloating about their success in struggle.
khosi // Oct 9, 2008 at 7:28 am
I agree with Peter. Good post. I do, however, hope that there are more, stronger leaders that will emerge to lead the party. Terror Lekota is, as his name suggests, is a fighter; and, in battle, a good leader. I do however have my doubts whether he has the education/knowledge, charisma and the philosophic, prophetic, managerial and diplomatic skills that are required to be a true leader. But, as they say, in politics the party should be bigger than the person, and party policy, not individuals, must determine the political way forward by its leaders, … well, at least until the leaders (or party members) become disillusioned with the way a party seems to be going lately.
I believe a 60/40 (or even a smaller 70/30) spilt in the ranks of the ANC, for whatever reason (I think Polokwane started it all) will be good for democracy in this beloved land of ours. A revolutionary movement should never, after it has won the revolution, be allowed to become so mighty that the movement’s leaders can start caring only for themselves and their ‘comrades’, whilst turning their backs on the populace whose support they enjoyed to win the revolution. This happened in the USSR, in Cuba, in West and East African states, in Zim, and in many other places. The rule of law and a strong Constitution like ours is of paramount importance to safeguard democracy and human rights (especially those of the minorities and weakest among the populace), and for a rogue movement (such as which the ANC had become) to be left with the power to change the Constitution and the rule of law at its whim, is diabolic, to say the least. Therefore, I’d support a breakaway under Terror Lekota (but please, let there be more and stronger leaders that also stand up?) any day.
Which other prominent members might join this new party?
Bulelani Ngcuka and his wife? Penual Meduna? The Moleketis? Willie Madisha?
Who else?
United DEMOCRATIC Movement + DEMOCRATIC Alliance + Independent DEMOCRATS + Friends of DEMOCRACY = DEMOCRATIC AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS (DANC)
Bongs – the abbreviation almost sounds like “DANKIE”
Good one Bongs, or maybe all of the above = African Rennaisance Party
SA Badly needs this development. It may start from thirst for power but plurality (don’t attempt pronouncing this word after having a cup of Motata tea!) is a welcome development on African politics.
Watching from afar, it seems that the ANC Zuma wing was getting over-excited. Will Monthlante become the compromise president? I wonder. Every dog has its day!
Anonymouse & Peter, my biggest fear regarding a flare up of violence during the upcoming elections is the call by Zuma, now already, for people to start forming “street commitees” as in the eighties, supposedly to assist police in the fight against crime. Read Paul Trewhelas article entitled “A whiff of fascism in the air” on Politicsweb. Scary stuff indeed.
michael j – - Yes, that does make one worry!! Even though I’m not scared of individuals (even Malemas) and a few in number, this phenomenon of street committees (or rural committees), like in Zim, can pose a very real threat to politcal stability and safety and security of the normal citizen.
Lekota: cowardice and the kiss of death
By Setumo Stone
Did Terror Lekota announce the formation of a new political party? Does it exist? Does it even have a name? Why not?
Because he is a coward!!!
It was very clear and unambiguous on Tuesday that Lekota’s infamous press conference the following day would be the announcement of a new political party. It was precisely because of this anticipation that news hounds countrywide felt that there was no other place to be on Wednesday morning but Primedia House in Sandton.
To the disappointment of all those who attended, those took time to watch on TV and those who listened on radio, Terror Lekota (flanked by Mluleki George) announced NOTHING. The highlight of Lekota’s presentation was the recycling of all the tired innuendo that has been laid on the ANC’s doorstep since the change of leadership in Polokwane. In media studies, that does not amount to “news” because there is absolutely nothing “new” about it.
Whereas Lekota also spoke about people not having “the courage of their convictions”, he did very little to exclude himself from such criticism. He knows he wants to start a new party, he had the opportunity to tell the world about his bold twilight adventure, and he “chickened out”!
In fact, the said press conference could have been a historic disaster, if it were not for the CNBC journalist who asked Lekota whether “this was a request for marriage counseling or a divorce”, a statement which is now being widely publicized as Lekota’s intellectual product. There is little wonder why it is the only comment from the gathering which was worthy of headlines.
The behavior of Lekota and his group is a great example of what leads to dysfunctional families across the society. Whenever the is a squabble or disagreement, the member who perceives himself or herself to be the most successful (i.e. the one who feels needed), is always the first one to claim that he or she does not mind cutting all ties with the rest of the family. This is a behavior that is generally informed by a false sense of material security.
Why then would Lekota feel that the broad church of the ANC needs him more than he needs the party?
The answer lies in the belief that the followers of his political master, Thabo Mbeki, would reward him for his unwavering patronage. It is however a mystery, as to how this “internal” party political support translate to votes during the polls. It is a fallacy to believe that ordinary South Africans are also divided along the Jacob Zuma and Mbeki dichotomy. Truth be told, ANC leadership debate has only enthused the media, academics, opposition parties, the middle class, and to some extent the 600 000 ANC card carrying members. It cannot be denied that these groups have taken a hard line on the subject.
But ordinary South Africans do not really care about such complex political debates. They have more pressing issues in their lives which require undivided attention. For the better part, their only hope is for the ANC to get its house in order, and get on with the job of ruling the country. A splinter group from the ANC would indeed achieve that.
Painting Zuma as a criminal is also a futile exercise. The disregard of proper prosecutorial procedures by the NPA is not a matter that can be wished away in any debate about Zuma’s trial. Ordinary people generally approach these matters by asking simple and straight forward questions: “If Zuma is a criminal, why don’t they take him to jail? They must be lying!” Some people would confuse this less complex approach to issues as some form of weakness or stupidity, but it is not because it remains the best strategy to eliminate propaganda.
Lekota and his group must not be lulled into a false sense of support by those who hold a firm view that the dominance of the black majority in politics needs to be cut down to size. This would impact very negatively on the progress of black empowerment. In addition, as soon as this euphoria about the ANC being destabilized end, Lekota would find himself a very lonely man, without Helen Zille or Bantu Holomisa offering support. He will soon be reminded that he never supported a judicial inquiry into the arms deal.
On the part of the ANC, I think they find themselves in an undesirable conundrum. While Lekota’s acts are worthy of a dismissal from the party, such a move will trigger a chain of more Lekotas disrespecting the party and daring to be expelled. Such a turn of events can only portray the leadership of the party as autocrats who are unkind to criticism. The extension of an olive branch is therefore neither a change of strategy, nor a change of heart.
I believe that he must be left to feel the wrath of the working class and the masses during next year’s general elections. All the ANC should do now, is to sign and seal Lekota’s “divorce papers” with a kiss of death.
…I believe that he must be left to feel the wrath of the working class and the masses during next year’s general elections. All the ANC should do now, is to sign and seal Lekota’s “divorce papers” with a kiss of death.
Could not agree with you more Stone on this one. We will go out in our hundrends to make sure that we teach him and his cronies a lesson.
Amandla Ngawethu!!!
allow me to express my sadness that has been transpired by the lunacy potraid by the former minister of defence Mosioua Lekota,im not trying to be sententious never the less extemporaneous but to be precise Lekota has shown that he is a not a true leader.according to the noams and principles of the ANC cadres are required to be loyal towards the ORGANIZATION,respect and value their deployments but what i have weatnessed recently is contradictory,it is truely a shame,how can you publicly disregard members of the same movement that you have all worked hard for its existence.i think the infights should be dealt with indoors not publicly.the infights in the ANC are encouraging opposition parties to capitalize on voters to think otherwise about ANC.i know that we have democrary but for lekota and others to start a new organisation is totaly opportunism.im young and aspired to be a good leader one day but leaders like LEKOTA IMPACT NEGATIVELY IN US AS THE YOUTH,THEY FAIL TO RESOLVE MATTERS AS ELDERS WHEN PEOPLE VOTED ANC THEY BELIEVED THEIR LIFES ARE IN CAPABLE HANDS.AND AS FOR US SOTH AFRICANS AND ALL THOSE WHO CLAIM TO BE INTELLECTUALS WE MUST INTERROGATE THESE SHORTCOMINGS AND STOP POINTING EACH OTHER,CAUSE WE ARE TRUELY DISSAPOINTING GREAT GREAT LEADERS SUCH AS (OLIVER TAMBO,ROBERT SOBUKWE,STEVE BIKO,ANTON LEMBEDE,CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI, LANGA LIBALELE DUBE,ONGHOPOTSE TIRO,JOE SLOVO,GOVERN MBEKI, THE LIST IS ENDLESS.)
Setumo Stone,
This thought of a breakaway party seems to scare you more than Terror is scared of political oblivion. Face the truth, Stone, the chickens are coming home to roost. People are tired of the ANC taking advantage of them.
Hope all you can, but if the breakaway ever comes to fruition, the ANC is in trouble.
Right now, the only people with enough sense to save the situation are Phosa and Motlanthe because they are rational and not emotional.
The writing is on the wall; if you can take your head out of the sand you will be able to read it.
You people who think LEKOTA can lead a meaningfull break-away are as elutional as he is. When MANDELA was due to lead in 1994, cdr Mbeki was recommended by the ANC big-wigs as a succesor. It is not because they had any membership directly behind them in the MAFIKENG and the STELLENBOCH conferences but stood unoppossed. So this elution got into their heads that they had a following so when these cdrs think the party betrayed them they are seriously mistaken and would only get the backing of MBEKI’S MOM and TUTU in the polls if both make it there. The ANC belongs to the people not the leadership.
HHAHAHAAAA!!!! HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!
LET THEM FORM THEIR OWN PARTY, WHO ARE THEY ANYWAY?
If I may borrow from George W. Bush’s parlance; Lindelani, don’t misunderestimate the power of the new party – whoever they are!
Dumisani,
Khabazela nawe uhamba neqembu elisha?
These people started the whole tribalism and division within the ANC now they cant handle the heat!
Why is our loyal member Lekota chose to engage through the media? what was the purpose?
Can those blogers who are filled with Mbekiziology and Lekotaziology answer my question?
Why are they leaving to form the new party? what does this say about them? Why Zuma did not go to the media to slam Mbeki and his cabinet as they now doing? Why Zuma did not form the new party.
I MUST SAY ONCE AGAIN WE ARE PREPARED TO KILL AND DIE FOR PRESIDENT ZUMA!
Lindelani, exactly who are you prepared to kill and why would you die for a dirty old man like Zuma?
The ANC can do better than this…
Lindelani
This new party will still have to earn my vote. But I am sold to the idea of a new party and I hope it becomes so strong that other parties work really hard to earn my vote and not take it for granted.
When Zuma says the ANC will rule till Jesus Christ comes back, it will be because the ANC has worked hard to make a positive impact in my livelihood and welfare of my family.
People sacrificed a lot and others put down their lives for us to be able to use our God given right – the right to choose. Our votes are so precious and should be precious. Signs are such that this party will have that impact of giving us that privilege to choose, and I like that.
I am sold to the idea but not necessarily to that party. In any case, it has not taken any shape yet for me to be emotionally attached to it.
As a die hard I am only emotionally attached to Orlando Pirates. That is the only place where I refuse to use my head – no matter how bad they perform – I still pledge to blindly follow the Bucs. But when it comes to my precious vote, I apply a different set of standards. What is it for me?
A stronger opposition will be liberating – do you agree?
Greg Rowles – Never, ever engage lindelani on this (or any other) blog. He is bound to react with meaningless rhetoric and a song-and-a-dance that has nothing to do with the debate at hand. lindelani has only two idols, Jacob Zuma and John Hlophe – and he likes echoing everything that fool Julius Malema utters. The other day I heard Julius Malema being called South Africa’s ‘Wonderboy’, because he always lets you ‘wonder’ what nonsense he is going talk next.
Greg Rowles,
“Dirty old man”? says who? you?
even the courts of law have not pronounced this, really come on now “MR CLEAN GUY”!
Lekota’s party is a 702 party.