An introspective analysis of the ANC reveals that there are three dimensional paradoxes that explain the party’s identity. Firstly, the ANC is a liberation movement whose sheer existence is rooted in historical determinism and revolutionary experience. In light of that, the ANC is expected to uphold the ethos, values and principles of its revolutionary experience and historical practices. Secondly, the ruling party is the leader of the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM). The MDM is an amalgamated coalition of structures and organisations that are strategically aligned to the ANC. Organisations such as SACP, Cosatu, Sanco, Cosas and Sasco constitute an integral part of the MDM. As a result, these structures derive organisational purpose and tactical direction from the ANC. That explains why these organisations do not participate in general and municipal elections.
During the elections, these organisations are bound by revolutionary morality and solidarity to support the ANC. The ANC is a political behemoth which provides material and revolutionary fulfillment to these organisations. Thirdly, the ANC is a political party which must continously reinvent and reinvigorate its political mission and aspirations. Most importantly, the party is also compelled by prevailing circumstances to act and operate like a modernised party. At times there is conflict between the party’s revolutionary identity and its contemporary technocratic pragmatism. The ANC should beware of ‘frozen dogmatism’ because it creates a huge gulf between history and the present. These three dimensional paradoxes enable the ANC to reproduce its structural willpower and reinvent its resilience.
In few weeks to come, the ANC in Limpopo will convene its midterm Provincial General Council (PGC). The penultimate purpose of the PGC is to assess the overall performance and political direction of the party. The PGC is the party’s highest decision-making structure in between the Provincial Executive Committee and the Provincial Elective Congress. The said PGC will, inter alia consider and decide on the election of the party’s provincial treasurer. The position became vacant due to the untimely passing, early this year, of former MEC for education, Thembi Nwedamutswu.
Limpopo ANC members are currently discussing in their branch general meetings the names of suitable candidates for that vacant position. There are reports that the ANC intellectual Danny Msiza and fellow cadre Joe Mathebula are likely to battle it out for that position.
In the likelihood of that possible contestation, who is more likely to emerge triumphant between the two comrades? Msiza is a highly knowledgeable political strategist with a vast knowledge of historical determinism and revolutionary theory. His unique mastery of political existentialism is amazingly phenomenal.
On the other hand, Mathebula is a renowned politician and businessman who is profoundly immersed in technocratic nomenclature. His grasp and understanding of technocratic bureaucracy is notable. Msiza and Mathebula are two distinctive political personalities with varied strengths, capabilities and potential. Electoral contestations in the ANC are usually won by candidates who are highly skilled at ‘political strategy and tactics’.
Lastly, the Limpopo ANC leadership should urgently address the raging violence recently reported at several branch meetings. Recently, an ANC official in Mopani region was reportedly shot at and wounded by fellow comrade at a branch meeting. In another reported incident, a party member was viciously assaulted by fellow comrades at a branch general meeting.
The ANC should consider introducing compulsory political schools for all its members and leaders. Most of the ANC members have not embraced and internalised the revolutionary morality, ethos and guiding principles of the party. Members who resort to violence at political meetings are an insidious danger to our constitutional and electoral democracy. Membership of any organisation is done and exercised on a voluntary basis.
Limpopo is a relatively peaceful province and we urge all political leaders to instil discipline, humility and tolerance among their party members. Political tolerance, civility, humility and mutual respect are the definitive hallmarks of our electoral democracy.
Elvis Masoga
Political analyst
