The day the ANC split

It is a fact that Mbeki's resignation at the climax of a political struggle with ANC leader Jacob Zuma marked the biggest political upheaval in the party's history.

With all the respect to the leadership and members of the ANC: I think, you guys are blushing and trying very hard with your statements like “the new party is doom to fail” to discourage such formation. By reading between such lines, I am somehow convinced that you are worried that, if such break-away happens, it will have a significant impact in the next election.

I think, the ANC is failing to appreciate that this time around, this formation is completely different from the past break-away. The environment and condition in which this is happening gives such a formation a room to be a force to be reckoned with, in particular since we do not have strong opposition party. If it is true that there is such plan from the Mbeki loyalist, the ANC is scared that it is going to give them the run for their money in the next election. And it will further, give rooms to the struggling parties to close the voting majority gap that the ANC is enjoying today.

The ANC leadership has been using the media to discourage such formation and try hard to convince ordinary person not to have trust in such attempt. The ANC today is not so relevant to many ordinary citizenship….

For the ANC to able to deliver quality services to the mass, we need a strong opposition party. It is true that South Africa has effectively become a one-party. A new, vibrant and strong political party formation will not be a bad idea at all….

At the end, we shall see who is fooling who!

The million dollar question: is the ANC scared of a possible formation of a new party? Please JZ, Malema, Blade, Buti Manamela, Vavi et al, come clean (out) if you are scared. If not, why can't you guys keep quite and let such party ermege?

It will fail they are forming the new part from wrong reasons.They were in control and in charge of the ANC.When did ANC change its policies and freedom charter.Is it because of Communist leading the ANC now.ANC is nothing without tripite alliance

When you where in power you never listern to Cosatu or SACP.You wanted to destroy the ANC we know.Thanks for parting ways with ANC.ANC will never change to accomodate sturbborn and ignorant and arrogant Lekota and friends.Shame on you Mbhazima.

I watched the press conference by the former defence minister and deputy minister, Terror Lekota and Meluleki George which left me with more questions than answers.

I must confess that I was expecting a major bombshell announcement - the launch of a party which for the first time in history will pose serious challenge to the ANC. Sadly all I heard was same old rhetoric about why the ANC is such a bad party.

In his lessons in leadership this week, Roelf Meyer who left the NP to form UDM with Bantu Holomisa, cautioned against forming a party on the basis of anger and frustration is doomed fo fail. History is littered with such examples but Terror and George have chosen to ignore these.

I was concerned with fact that Julius Malema's name was mentioned several times by Terror during the conference. Is this what we can expect from a party to challenge the ANC?

I may not be happy with the ANC at this stage, but need a lot more convincing to see sense in joining another party. Who is really behind this party? With due respect, but Terror and George do not instil any confidence? Is this what they have been plotting in the Defence ministry in the last few years?

South Africans desserve more that this. My advice to Terror & George is to go back to the drawing board and rethink about what they are trying to do. Go back to the ANC and use your influencing skills to channel the movement toward the right direction as disciplined members of the movement.

All I see at the moment are power hungry leaders with no credibility, who are about to hand themselves in the public gallery. Today's conference left me convinced that the ANC remains unshaikable!

Interesting indeed. This gets back to the comment I made two weeks back when this guys were resigning and I recalled when I said some of this people have forgotten that they still have bills to pay, when they resigned, it missed their minds that the ex-President Mbeki will be still getting his salary until death do apart with him. They forget that they were serving us (the country) not President Mbeki. Unfortunately this is politics and there are always casualties, where President Mbeki is unfortunately part of and so is ANC President Zuma and many more.

My point is Sir Lekota just cannot be honest like the honourable UDM Leader Holomisa said before he started his party, that (Quoted "above my political interest to I believe I owe to the country, I am a responsible family man with also bills to pay, so I will create my party"). Honesty is power, and look today how many honest members he has. I wouldn't be suprised when after some few months Mr Lekota's party would be no more, because individuals like me deeply feel that the man had all the power he just doesn't want to loose. I wouldn't be suprised when not even half of the so called "out casted leaders" will not be part with him because I can imagine used to big monies and public respect and all of a sudden it vanish, obviously what he is doing is just human. If it wasn't money he would stay in the ANC and ensure his voice is heard again. I mean he was very instrumental to bring about vocal leaders like Julius-M, I mean everyone knows how he used to react being an ANC Chairperson. I wouldn't be suprised to find that Ex-President Mbeki is not part of this "New party" idea, I wouldn't be suprised if The ex-President Mbeki advised Mr Lekota not to do this break away.

Unfortunately others were in the ANC for Power and Money but others were there for Dignity and Freedom. This is the time to see the real leaders. I have not heard the Mandelas public on the issue and for sure I believe they are contributing in the backstage and so is ex-President Mbeki's voice, for sure there are some of his ideas they still listen to and follow.

The wise will watch rather than forecast events now, but there are two points to make:

1. "The ANC in its history has gone through similar experiences,"
says Zuma.
That was then; this is now. SA and the ANC are not remotely like
they were 10 years ago, let alone 20 and more.

2. An effective national organisation and campaign by the
opposition will be as important as taking positions on issues.
The ANC is getting a great deal wrong. Properly organised
opposition will start by making that the central issue.

Maybe people like Patrick Lekota should have listened when Peter Mokaba said the tripartite alliance had served its purpose and should disband.Perhaps there would be no need to form more political parties. Hamba kahle Terror, it might not be that comfortable out there!

The people are losing patience with poticians who spend their lives and energy watching each other like women dressing up for a fashion show. The ANC needs to recognise that it has had a huge loss or credibility and its integrity is not trusted by ordinary South Africans. At the end of the day, providing the democracy that was so hard won endures, the ordinary people will decide who they trust to lead them. Right now the majority of South Africans do not trust Zuma and believe he needs to stand trial. Until he does we will never know whether he has the qualities needed to lead our nation.

If a breakaway party is NO threat to the existing ANC,then why all the hoo haa?? Why all the scramblings behind closed doors?? Why is Zuma so "willing" to talk to Tutu about his concerns?? Why is Zuma's name and comments in the papers more than Mbeki's? Amongst all of this happenings, has anyone stopped to notice that Mbeki is very quiet? Has anyone one noticed that Malema has now been told to be quiet? That Zuma cancelled his trip to the Eastern Cape because of threats of Anc members booing him and walking out. It does'nt take a genius to figure out that while Zuma and his cronies are "NOT" worried about a breakaway party forming, that they are the ONLY one's in the news ALL the time. The only one's who are doing damage control. Now if there is no damage that will happen, why the need for all this scrambling around??? No smoke without fire, I say. If there is no need for worry, then Zuma and cronies why are you worrying Soooo badly right now

The ANC is strong because thousands of our people gave their all (blood Sweat and life). They never raised any of these things under Mbheki and they were part of the old NEC,which sidelined alot of good hard working people. why start seeing fault now, they must take their issues to the masses that voted them out at Limpopo. It is now clear that they were serving themselves.

It is a fact that Mbeki's resignation at the climax of a political struggle with ANC leader Jacob Zuma marked the biggest political upheaval in the party's history.

With all the respect to the leadership and members of the ANC: I think, you guys are blushing and trying very hard with your statements like “the new party is doom to fail” to discourage such formation. By reading between such lines, I am somehow convinced that you are worried that, if such break-away happens, it will have a significant impact in the next election.

I think, the ANC is failing to appreciate that this time around, this formation is completely different from the past break-away. The environment and condition in which this is happening gives such a formation a room to be a force to be reckoned with, in particular since we do not have strong opposition party. If it is true that there is such plan from the Mbeki loyalist, the ANC is scared that it is going to give them the run for their money in the next election. And it will further, give rooms to the struggling parties to close the voting majority gap that the ANC is enjoying today.

The ANC leadership has been using the media to discourage such formation and try hard to convince ordinary person not to have trust in such attempt. The ANC today is not so relevant to many ordinary citizenship….

For the ANC to able to deliver quality services to the mass, we need a strong opposition party. It is true that South Africa has effectively become a one-party. A new, vibrant and strong political party formation will not be a bad idea at all….

At the end, we shall see who is fooling who!

Mr Lekota has just confirmed that whatever party he may start will be fueled by anger and bitterness, not a good foundation for the economic and social emancipation of our people and the turnaround which our economy desparately needs. I'm all in favour of the establishment of an alternative party to the irrelevant, corrupt and ill discliplined ANC we currently have. However, unless the alternative party shows itself to have sound and relevant economic and international policies, and with strong leadership, I will not vote for them. I already know I'm not voting for the ANC or the DA.

Dear Mr. Lekota
Thanx for your informative press conference.I could not help but giggle when you accord yourself the right to decide who is ANC and not,this you do without being in power.I shudder to think what you did whilst being the chairperson!Secondly sir,you delibarately forget that we have never voted for a President,but a party,because the laws of this country(which you now claim you want to protect) dictate so.The FREEDOM CHARTER say the people shall govern,and in Polokwane a democratic process decided thus,the problem is that your ilk preach democracy when it suits you.As a minister of Defence you failed to guard our borders,but now you think you are qualified to be the torchbearer of our safety! This is greed and power mongering and nothing else.I am not happy with some decisions that were made,but as disciplinen member I abided,so do not patronise us!

I think it's very unfair for some ANC leaders to defect from the party now that the party leadership had to be restructured based on the outcomes of the Polokwane conference. The majority of the leaders who are unhappy with the current turn of events are those that have been quite and had no comments when some of the leaders faced situations similar to that of former President Thabo Mbeki. None of the defecting leaders including Shilowa and Lekota came out in defence and support of fellow collegues when they were persecuted, prosecuted, some detained and expelled from party to government posts. Would they be singing a different tune were TM re-eleceted to head the party and the country for another third term, did they have any objections when TM saw fit to expell former Deputy President Jacob Zuma from public office, did they come out in defence of Madlala Routledge, Billy Masethla & many others when they were disputably kicked out government? I am not against Lekota, George, Shilowa and all those that feel TM was unfairly treated. Only I think it unfair for them to step aback when the party faces challenges, they are the architecture of our democracy and should be its monitors now that it is still in its infacy and. Resigning from government posts and party structures does not solve problems. It's up to them to voice their concerns within the party if they have been loyal to the movement all these years, unless they put Mbeki before the organisation and the alliance partners. As for the new party... it definately unnecessary, stay on and be part of the process that seeks to end the infighting within the ANC!

This is the best news for ages. The ANC for too long has had no credible opposition. If a new party does start up, then there is a chance that it will win support, and reduce the parent one’s influence.

I think people who attack Lekota et al are missing the plot; if the ANC were truly democratic, while the powers-that-be might not like people leaving to set up a new party, they would recognise they have a right to do so.

The trouble is, the ANC has never really matured from a liberation movement into a political party. Opposition is still seen as ‘the enemy’ and something to be ‘killed’, ‘crushed’ and what-have-you.

The fact of the matter is that the parent party has become such a vehicle to satisfy greed that its initials could now stand for Acutely Naturally Corrupt. People are tired of seeing criminals borne to prison on the shoulders of ANC office bearers, officials getting away with theft, fraud and corruption.

Every dog has its day, and the ANC’s role as the self-styled ‘one-and-only’ true liberation party/organisation will see an end… as will its role as the ruling party. Despite what Zuma says, the ANC will not ‘rule to Jesus returns’.

It will make 2009 (probably)… but the one after that… The gravy train will grind to a halt.

Perhaps a little dissappointing that Lekota at al did not formally annouce a new an opted to litter more hints.
However what is clear is that some among us would hurry to align with such a party given its rhetoric - how many people in the ANC NEC are either post democracy criminals or under a cloud, right up to the president himself.
At the end of the day we pray that the likes of Lekota be of courage and form the new party. As for the expert comments that the new party will not be like MDC in the sense that it's not from grassroots level, let it be known that we do not need anything like the MDC as it came too late, by its formation Mugabe was already the owner of Zim, the same route Malema et al are going. So they need to be stopped in their tracks, whilst not a wise thing to do, I predict that the new party will not garner less than 20% of the votes in 2009 and am being conservative - we all are gatvol with these communicts and trade unionists who clearly pay less attention to the simple act of thinking!

I listened and watched most of mr. Lekota's interview. When he referred to himself, he called himself "Terror", whilst he apparently wants to be addressed by his traditional name "Mosioua".
Who was the guy at the press conference, anyhow?

The people of South Africa need credible leadership and a renewed commitment to honesty and good governance. Nobody asked for a new party actually, what they asked for proper processes of internal critique within the ANC and correction/adjustment when things go awry. All of your political games are nauseating and boring!

The reason i won't vote the current ANC is the big Cosatu and SACP influence in it, Cosatu got rid of Mbeki because he left them in the cold, they used Zuma as a pawn.. right now the ANC is controlled by Cosatu and the SACP.. we MUST never allow them to turn the country into a banana republic..

The devil i know is better that the devil i don't know..
I VOTE for Mbeki..

I agree that we need a strong apposition party but the manner in which this party is going to be started is not good for our country and if you follow what Lekota has been saying it is pure anger filled with hatred of the ANC Leadership and with him at helm I don't think it would it would achieve what we need in this country by that I mean we need A strong polical party.

Dear mr. Lekota,

It seems that you have lost contact with the "new" South Africa and its people like the National Party had done many moons ago. I feel a sense of sadness to watch you and other "old strugglers" come to the realisation of the advent of your "sell-by-date" and the reluctance you have for accepting it.Please, move in or move on and stop whining/threatening/bullying etc.

Kind regards,

"A white male whose eyes ,heart and mind has been freed decades ago."

P.S. Take the time and trouble to read this letter as it appeared on this good paper's website: "Generation Y must ask 'Why?" 7 May 2008.
It may just direct you in your future endeavours.

The key question will be which ANC the Cosatu leadership will form an alliance with: the one which is the lackey of imperialism or the one which is the real lackey of imperialism? Imperialism in crisis has few crumbs to give to their agents, hence the bitter infighting over the spoils.

I have to agree that there wouldn't be all the "hoo haa" if the ANC was in fact not worried. I believe that many people who a) have become disillusioned with the ANC and especially Zuma's position, or b) want to see a true multi-party democracy, would happily support a new party.

Well this is good for democracy .These people should only make certain that they dont make the same mistake as the ANC that they are walking away from cause if they have the same policies and strategies as the ANC why divorce ANC?
NADECO wants to say to these people it is good to see that yoy had the courage to walk a way .As the ANC seems to be driven by the SACP and Cosatu,dont forget the Malema's

One of the reasons that the opposition parties many as they are, are unable to dent the majority support the ANC hold is that in their position papers there is no fundamental differnces. Most are based on petty differences with the majority party. Then you wonder what will be fundamentally diffrent taht any split from the anc bring to bear on the sa political landscape. The formation of a new party from among anc members will just prove that they have leaned nothing from being members in the first place.

So exciting!!

Today was a great day.

For many reasons.

1: A Monopoly is never a good idea except for the monopolists. Today even for them proved that it is not even good for them, the infighting and division clear for all.

2: We need another voice arguing who will have some credibility. The DA, ID and UDM all have great ideals but little cred as they are not from a "black party" But a new party. GOSH wouldnt it be great. We will have men and woman with credentials and respect of ALL south africans.

These people will latch onto the mistakes and call the ANC on them. This is a GOOD thing, whether you support the ANC or not. If you support the ANC you should be rejoicing as your party will now be fighting to keep your votes.

3: We need some charisma, some smarts, some wit, some intelligence and like it or not Terror has it in spades. These will all bring about a leadership that can improve our international standing. Nothing is more of putting than a politician who cannot string a sentence together. True it has happened before that charismatic leaders have gone twisted and lost the plot and have become a burden to the world. But the point is that Terror will not become leader of this country, I dont even believe he will head the "new party" when it arrives.

But his Personality will give us such great credibility.

4: Our leaders now KNOW that if they step out of line they WILL be called on it. TM screwed up, I dont like that he was disgraced, but wow, we told him to go. Fantastic. Be fearful of your action leaders.

Last

5: GOSH isnt this all such fun!


Also:

The devil i know is better that the devil i don't know

is an appalling and sad attitude, if you go for the devil you know... well then you are heading for the abyss. ALWAYS have hope that we can have better, we are South African. We are Great and have Greatness within us.

GO FOR IT!!

The ANC is split because there is a battle of individual power, not delivery. It denigrated into who has the biggest ..... and nothing more.

Most of the ANC policies are actually very noble, they are just useless at implimenting them. The arrogance is appaling and is accentuated in their language. When you hear terms like centre of "POWER" rather than centres of "GOVERNANCE" or "AUHTORITY". You listen to the way the current leadership talk and you will continuosly hear talk about power and power base, loyalty to the cause rather than support engendered through delivery and performance.

If the current president to be had to be subjected to a American style election process, the slaughter would be embarresing.

An alternative party could be succesful, but has to be really clever about their approach. I do agree though that the current crop of pro Mbeki ministers will not cut it. It needs a Tokyo or Cyril to really stir the pot.

All the new party/DA need to do right now to make major inroads into ANC voters is hijack their policies and show that delivery will happen sooo much faster. Their is enough ANC failures to fill a year long campaign. Whatsmore, the current leadership is even less interested in delivery than the previous lot. They will stop at NOTHING to get their man in, I mean NOTHING.

IS South African prepared for change and accept new developments in politics?I fully support this initiatives and stand different to those hold the view that it has been influenced by anger and bitterness.CHANGE IS PAIN so come 2009 no two third majority shall be and cadres of real democracy shall be in control to curb the inflammatory statements of shoot to kill" and referring judges as counter revolutionarist.

What a country! What a day! What a future! Its good to be here and alive.

Wonder why people have to always comment on the ANC rather than SACP and to an extent - COSATU. the ANC is dead, - and pseudo- Communists have taken over but will never, not even in a hundred years, - rise up and be counted (votes- wise). They will continue using the porns in the ANC to campaign for them but play the tune in the background! Look at all of them - fat cats who take every opportunity to craete division among members of the ANC, simply because they are afraid to take their mandate to the masses... Even if we can have a new party, numbers thereof will swell bigger than those of the SACP, and COSATU is just lucky in that workers only want their rights protected, notwithstanding political affiliation (now this is what we'd consider a broad church). And the ANCYL/ YCL? Why is the ANCWL not commenting, since they may well be more credible than SACP or COSATU?
Viva...

What a good idea for the formation of new political party,we are tired of being used to vote for one political party that claim to have brought decromacy,at least if those who are from that party come forwad and tell us about wrong doings amongst them,thinking to do what is right for us it is better.

This is pure madness and a constance repeat of reactions out of anger.Lekota is just an empty tin making a lot of useless,arrogant and intolerable noise.Can't people learn for once,what happened to the best way to a solution is through open communication.I mean if the former minister of defence and his barratone entourage felt mistreated by the ANC why can't they approach the party and lay out their graviences.These new party thing and divorce from the pressent ruling party will not succeed,Mosiour should know that too.If he was born a leader and had the interest of people at heart as some so-called analyst say,then why can't he know that people are not persuaded by some arrogant,selfish,stubborn and disrectful remarks.I say Lekota and company should act like true leaders and stop this nonsense.