Update – Richard Lukhele, former mayor of Umjindi, joins the DA
He assured everybody present that he shares the vision of the DA for a thriving and flourishing South-Africa and asked the question “What has the ANC achieved in two decades?” Photos: Anchen Coetzee
BARBERTON – Former Umjindi Municipality executive mayor, Alderman Richard Lukhele has dumped the ANC after 24 years to join the DA. He said it took him two years and four months to take the decision to resign.
Lukhele, who was officially welcomed to the DA last Thursday at Jathira Guest House, said it was believed in the ANC that they all served the party at its pleasure and once it was no longer pleased, it was best to walk away peacefully, as he did.
“In the long time of introspection, self-searching and broad consultation with my family and friends, and within the leadership of the ANC itself, I have concluded that my 24 years of contribution to the party and its alliances and 19 years of diligent government service at the provincial, district and local government levels, must be concluded. Therefore I formally resigned my membership,” said Lukhele.
He served as mayor of Umjindi from 2000 to 2011. During his reign of two terms, the municipality was rated among the best in the province and raked in several awards for being run so smoothly.
He was replaced by Cllr Lazaros Mashaba, the current mayor.
He said his choice to join the DA was because it offered a political agenda with a much more inclusive engagement culture that promoted the values of participatory democracy, openness, accountability and transparency. He added that his political expertise and experience could be used in the DA in the best interest of South Africans.
Lukhele further criticised the ANC-led government administration, saying it was “soft on institutionalised fraud and corruption”. “There are service-delivery protests all over and frustration, anger and desperation form a compelling concoction that can change the course of any political trajectory and therefore contrary to other beliefs, no political party can lead the country forever,” he added.
“One thing that should not be taken for granted in any democracy is the right of workers and citizens to march and protest peacefully and freely without the fear of violence and death.”
Although Lukhele has defected to the DA, he had a few soft words of appreciation for his former home, the ANC. “Though leaving, I must still say a big thank you to the ANC for the political development, political maturity, ideological development and the opportunity to serve in a government at various levels.
As the once-proud movement descended into the distance behind me and other comrades who have also left to join other political organisations, I had a warm reception into what could be a wonderful working relationship.”
Lukhele said he was looking forward to political activism in his new political home with the DA.
Present to welcome him, were DA provincial leader Anthony Benadie, provincial chairman James Masango and Sonja Boshoff, who is the party provincial deputy chairman.
Also present were Umjindi DA councillors Phillip Minnaar, Meiston Mnisi and Elsabé Jacobs and members of the party’s local constituency.
Benadie welcomed Lukhele saying his brave decision to join the DA would encourage others, who shared his disillusionment with the ANC, to join the party.
“So while the exodus from the ANC continues, the DA’s support increases as people who believe in the constitution and rule of law join us, give us the opportunity to win an election, and to create a better future for all South Africans,” said Benadie.
