NELSPRUIT – The ANC welcomed back four prodigal sons this week. Messrs Vava Malandule, Mduduzi Mabuza, Sizwe Makhanya and Muzi Nkoma had previously left the party to join the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The occasion of welcoming them back to the ANC fold, was deemed so momentous that both Mr David Mahlobo, a member of the party’s national executive, and the premier, Mr David Mabuza, attended their presentation to the media at the provincial office on Tuesday.
The foursome had held positions in the leadership of the EFF’s subregions. Malandule said they initially left the ANC due to factionalism and infighting within the party, but had found that this was even worse in the other party, and so they returned.
“We left over the factions, but found more conflict in the EFF. We don’t want to fight.”
Mabuza welcomed them back with open arms. “I am not surprised to see them. They belong here. They grew up here.
“People have their views and that is not static. It is their political right. Due to its size, too many people are joining the party. Some of them come with certain tendencies and the ANC was grappling to manage that.”
He admitted to squabbles in the party, saying, “In branches of the ANC there are issues that may push people out. We are aware that there are problems. There are minor frictions and conflicts and we are prepared to listen to them.”
Mabuza said the party expected more former members to return. The ANC was sure to win the general elections, with the only uncertainty being how big a percentage of the vote they would win.
Mr Colin Sedibe, provincial convener for the EFF, denied that infighting was the reason they defected back to the ANC. “It is not true. They are ill-disciplined to the core.”
