WITH the recent article, “Soet en suur by ANC verkiesing” (Paarl Post 18 September 2008), one really gets the sense that there must be much more wrong within the ANC than what we see on the surface.
The Boland election was characterised by manipulation, extortion and abuse of power. There was never any serious consideration to the deep-seated problems of party members and the issue of patronage and selective unity which have come to be the character of present-day ANC.
What is so sad about the current state of the ANC is that the movement itself never wins in these blatant seizures of power, but only the individuals who show personal parity to those who enrich themselves through state resources.
When you look at the depth in leadership of this new executive for Boland Region one gets an abysmal feeling of despondency.
By now it’s old news that the newly elected secretary is a common and convicted felon, but we should also know that this lad has just recently tried to collect money for victims of xenophobia in the name of the ANC, while the ANC has never had such a campaign.
This action has just gone unchecked and unpunished by the current Provincial leadership. Rather this youngster has now been “rewarded” with such a high and prestigious position and responsibility in the movement.
Another character elected on the Boland Regional executive is Johnson Zwinye. Al
-though only as an additional member, his election remains baffling if not laughable.
This man has been suspended from his job at the municipality for not being able to keep his hands off his female colleagues, but was reappointed by the very same people that are now supporting Skwatsha in his next bid to become provincial party leader.
Another member of the executive has failed to do her most basic duty as a public representative, and that is to pay her municipal bill. Is this the new type of “cadre” the ANC seeks to develop?
This is no longer the ANC that one has come to respect for its unfailing discipline and success as a liberation vehicle. It has descended into something that some opportunistic people claim as their own property.
Comrade Jo
