SIMBA RUSHWAYA
JOHANNESBURG – Political commentators have warned the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to listen to the concerns of its membership ahead of the 2016 Municipal elections scheduled for August, or risk losing voters due to disgruntlement in Gauteng.
The liberation movement held its provincial manifesto launch at FNB Stadium in Soweto last Saturday, where around 85 000 people attended, but scores walked out of the giant stadium while president Jacob Zuma was still addressing the crowd.
ANC had planned to fill the stadium on May 13, during the ANC’s provincial general council.The top tier of the stadium was virtually empty on Saturday with patches of orange seats also unoccupied in the lower tiers. It would appear the ANC members left in a huff over the contentious list of people who will represent the party in the elections.
On 2 June, some members marched at Luthuli House “to defend our revolution.” There are some disputed names in Tshwane and Katlehong areas.
It is against this background that political scientist Ralph Mathegka says; “I think people feel they are not being listened to, but walking out is not a new phenomenon.”
The much awaited launch of the manifesto in the economic hub of South Africa, was rather impressive as thousands gathered at FNB, falling short of filling the stadium to capacity as the ANC anticipated, but enough to appeal after the national manifesto launch debacle at National Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth where there was miserly attendance.
Put in contrast with the Economic Freedom Figthers (EFF) national manifesto launch at Orlando Stadium, the ANC show in Port Elizabeth was a far cry of its gigantic status, but the gathering at FNB made amends,
lawyer Gabriel Shumba observes.
“There is no doubt that the ANC has suffered a huge image dent under President Zuma. We have witnessed scandal after scandal especially around issues of corruption. There has also been perceived interference in the arms of the state.
“Be that as it may, the rancour that will cost the ANC dearly is the alleged corruption in municipalities . This and the failure to deal with the service delivery concerns remain central to the massive and violent
protests that have become almost a daily occurence,” adds Shumba.
“On the other hand, the EFF has suceeded in portraying itself as a no nonsense party whose alternative is bread and butter issues that resonate with the ordinary folk. EFF will garner more votes as the ANC base
continues to dwindle. Unless the ANC becomes serious about holding to account incompetent and corrupt officials as well providing social services in reality, they are headed towards irrelavance. The leadership
seems to be arrogant from my point of view,” says Shumba.
The ANC Gauteng manifesto launch got underway hours late last Saturday, after supporter buses were delayed. Party officials reported over 85,000 supporters were at the almost 95,000-seater stadium in stark contrast to the party’s national manifesto launch in April.
“Throughout its life the headquarters of the ANC was in Gauteng. In no way can we have any party being in charge in GP. You therefore have a serious responsibility to defend and maintain the home of this mighty
organisation…The ANC must win the 2016 local government elections convincingly all over the country, and also in particular, this province of Gauteng,” says Zuma.
Zuma made an impassioned appeal to ANC members who are unhappy about the party’s municipal candidates’ lists to accept that no changes will be done.
Zuma said their grievances and unhappiness should be addressed through the internal processes of the ANC. “Comrades, let us put the interest of the ANC first. Our election machinery depends on the discipline of our members and our volunteers,” he says.
The president told ANC supporters to be non-violent.
“Do not engage in any violent act even when you are provoked; do not fight with them. Instead, report them to the IEC. You should not behave the same way as our detractors. Some of these parties have a history of violent behaviour and thuggery. We should not stoop down to their level. The ANC is a peaceful organisation.
“Gauteng is home to the ANC. There is no way we can have any other party being in charge in Gauteng,” he says.
–Guardian
