The African National Congress faces the biggest internal crisis of its history after the decision to oust President Thabo Mbeki following suggestions of official interference in the corruption case against his rival, party leader Jacob Zuma.
South Africa’s ruling party has stressed that the decision of the executive was unanimous. Mbeki’s resignation speech also made clear he was not planning to fight.
But despite the show of unity, there is talk of some ANC members splitting to form a new party before the 2009 election.
While that might not seem such a great idea from the ANC’s point of view, would it be so bad for South Africa?
Nelson Mandela’s party represented a wide spectrum of views because of the need for a united front in the fight against apartheid. More than 14 years on, the effects of apartheid certainly linger, but would there be an argument for having more parties to choose from?
Although South Africa is by no means a one-party state, the weak opposition parties have never had much influence.
The ideological split within the ANC is between those from Zuma’s wing who favour a more left-leaning approach sought by unions and by the poor and those from Mbeki’s side who are more pro-business - and claim credit for South Africa’s longest period of economic growth.
Would it be good for voters to be able to choose between the two camps directly instead of leaving the debate within the ANC? Or might such a loss of unity in South Africa be dangerous at what is still a difficult time? Would a split be a recipe for disaster that would marginalise some points of view? Could a breakaway party make any meaningful impact given the ANC’s dominance anyway?
What do you think?
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I prefer to interpret the word ’split’ as in go or leave, and the answer then would be an emphatic yes. They have turned this country into a playground for the ANC Youth League, and are toying with our lives. Now we have two countries in Africa without government, Somalia and South Africa. This is what the geniuses in the ANC have reduced us to. Split, ANC.
- Posted by PowerlessMy feeling is that a new party is needed,that would abide by the universlly accepted norms of democracy.The lot that had won at Polokwane are very vindictive.There is a perception that there are those are not to be touched by state legal institutions.ANC Secretary-General said the issue of Zuma if persued will continue to devide the ANC and the country.What does this mean?,is that there are those that are above the law.
Maybe its about time that we have a direct Presidential,Premier and Mayoral Elections. A change of Electral system altogether.
Removing Thabo from Office they didnt state that he has not implemented Party policies but by virtue of inferences Justice Nicholsen.
- Posted by SimphiweANC should get rid of both Mbeki and Zuma so that there will be no Zuma camp or Mbeki camp. This has brought about divisions in the party. They can only be ANC supporters.
- Posted by GoodmanThe damage caused by these camps is irrepairable and it is unfair to have Mbeki down for his supporters as much as it gonna be if Zuma is down. As long as these two camps exist ANC must forget about unity and stability.
ANC is already losing supporters to other parties
Again as an outsider my friendship with dozens of people of many countries on the continent…relates tribalism to me whether old or new, as an impediment rather than an out and out obstacle to equitable democracy. As “B” alluded a few comments earlier…in rather candid terms; the vital element of leadership morality will take any amount of new governance of both existing party structures and those still to come, much further down the road to national prosperity than any tribal definition will at this stage of international involvement in African life. The recent Transparency International numbers, no matter your confidence in them for absolute accuracy or not, should at least give those of age and experience from all walks of SA life, a reality check as to what might be in store for the country if social morality isn’t considered of high enough importance to determine a candidates ability to lead.
The poster-boy for corruption and organized crime… Nigeria has by all accounts moved 26 points to the positive while SA continues to nose dive down the negative side of the index by 11 more points. The fact is while SA may like to prop-up confidence in their ability to attract international investment and undoubtedly there’s still interest there; the DRC’s, the Sudan’s, the Angola’s…Nigeria’s…Cameroon’s Uganda’s and many, many more; all have immediate, multiple, proven, immense mineral wealth deposits and thus broad international investment interest. I just think, that at a time when energy resources the world over coupled with a runaway Far Eastern industrial revolution driving high rates of return for access to those mineral deposits….the very last thing SA can afford today, is to allow anything politic or of diminished morality to tarnish South Africa’s energy starved ability to participate to the highest levels possible! From the outside, it would seem economic suicide, to do anything less.
- Posted by DougThabo Mbeki has done a great job. A new party will do the country loads of good. Go for it Mbeki, continue to make things happen. The uncertainty Zuma brings will have grave consiquences for South Africa and the economy.
- Posted by John DThe events of the past week I think came as a shock for the outside world, meaning investors. Its no secret that SA is the African nation of choice for international investment, and this situation looks troubling and bizarre, even for people with an understanding of the country’s politics. After all, what ‘1st world’ countries do this?
There is an upside, and that is that other parties will enjoy some more support, in light of the ANC’s dysfunction. The Inkata Freedom Party, the Democratic Alliance, the United Democratic Movement, all stand to gain more votes–equalling more checks and balances (but hopefully not more infighting or tribalism). However, even if the ANC split, there would still be a majority in support of Zuma. That’s just the way it is. The Zulu population is the largest in SA, and he’s their guy.
A lot of saffers have worried that if SA doesn’t pick a Zulu president, after 14 years of Xhosa political dominance, that there will be serious resentment. It would just be better if that person wasn’t a convicted criminal and likely rapist.
- Posted by BTHE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM FACING SA CURRENTLY IS THE FORMATION OF A PARTY REPRESENTING A RAINBOW NATION.OUR POLITICAL PARTIES REPRESENTS COLOUR THEREFORE SERVING THE INTERESTS OF WHO THEY REPRESENT AND IGNORING THE OTHERS.WE HAVE MADE MISTAKES I THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO RECTIFY THEM.
AN AMALGAMATION OF DA,UDM,FF ETC WOULD DO US GOOD.WE HAVE GOOD LEADERS IN OUR OPPOSITION.PEOPLE LIKE HELEN ZILLE CAN TAKE THIS COUNTRY TO ANOTHER LEVEL. WE HAVE TO UNITE AND FORM A PARTY REPRESENTING BLACK,WHITE,COLOURED AND INDIAN.
AWAY WITH TRIBALISM AND TOYI TOYI(IT DOESNT FEATURE ANYWERE IN POLITICS AT THIS POINT IN TIME.WE ARE LIBERATED).
ITS IS A SHAME THAT PEOPLE AT GRASSROOTS ARE USED BY POLITICIANS AS LADDERS OF SUCCESS.I FEEL THEY ARE DENIED ACCESS TO VITAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES OF THAT COUNTRY.THEY BELIEVE WHATEVER THEIR LEADERS SAY.
THE BEST GUYS IS TO BE ALL READY FOR A CHANGE.THE IDEA OF FORMING A NEW PARTY WILL RESCUE OUR BEAUTIFULL SOUTH AFRICA
- Posted by SUKIThe answer is NO. South african people do not need DIVISION… They truly need a leader who can bring CHANGE in their social life. They need REAL and FUNDAMENTAL REFORMS. President Mbeki gave the best he has during his 8 years in power. What he can do again for the welfare of South-African people? NOTHING. Remember Man and woman especially politicians, are only the tools which can be replaced anytime. This is the Zuma’s time…
- Posted by Kiziton