The African National Congress (ANC) is disappointed and dismayed by a story in the Mail and Guardian making unsubstantiated allegations that NEC member, Lindiwe Sisulu, who is also Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, is using departmental resources to build a campaign for her to replace Comrade David Mabuza as ANC Deputy President.
Sadly, the Mail and Guardian is relying entirely on a leaked anonymous complaint made to the Public Service Commission and Public Protector to boldly peddle lies and falsehoods.These allegations and insinuations are uncorroborated and untested in the basis of simple logic.
The ANC sees this as part of a desperate agenda to drive a narrative that seeks to portray the ANC as hopelessly divided and thus incapable of governing or leading society. The story also demonstrates ignorance about ANC processes. The National General Council is not a place to elect new leadership or to replace leaders. This glaring factual inaccuracy further demonstrates that the Mail and Guardian was determined not to allow facts to interfere with their sensational headline.
The prophets of doom will never cease their fishing expeditions and wayward imaginations. At best these are glamorized rumors meant to distract and entertain, however we are neither amused nor provoked.
The ANC reaffirms its confidence in both Comrades David Mabuza and Lindiwe Sisulu, as well as the entire leadership collective elected at NASREC. We hope the Public Service Commission and the Public Protector will conclude their investigations as soon as possible and further guard against anything that may give gossip-mongers and peddlers of lies further ammunition to continue with their wedge-driving agenda.
The ANC wishes to assure its members that it will not be distracted from its revolutionary tasks by wedge-drivers and divisive elements both within and outside the movement. The leadership collective elected at the 54th National Conference remains united on the project of unity and renewal.
The ANC rejects attempts by wedge-drivers and faceless agents to sow divisions among leaders and members of the ANC. The enemies of our revolution hate a united ANC, for they know that it is a potent and unstoppable weapon for revolutionary change. The enemy will, therefore, not hesitate to deploy its last resources to divide and weaken the ANC, and demoralize its membership.
The ANC calls on all its cadres to fiercely oppose all attempts to divide our leaders and membership. The ANC has a duty and responsibility to defend its unity and the integrity of its leadership against malicious gossip and attacks. Our unity and renewal project demands that we take a clear stand against wedge-drivers.
Doomsayers and their fertile imaginations fed by faceless characters will never detract us on a path of transformation.
END
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
