Durban - A KwaZulu-Natal ANC leader believes that the scandals surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa are normal in politics and will not determine the future of the liberation movement.
Lucky Moloi, who has served in various structures of the ANC in the province, said it has become the norm to have scandals around leaders, particularly in time for the elective conference.
Moloi, a former ANC regional chairperson of Inkosi Bhambatha which covers areas such as Nquthu, Dundee, Msinga to Greytown, was among those who raised their hands to be considered for the National Executive Members of the party.
He was referring to Ramaphosa’s saga, where the parliamentary section 89 panel report found that he may have violated the constitution when he failed to report the robbery of US dollars at his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo.
“If you recall the times of former president Thabo Mbeki, there were things that were said about him before the conference, but they were not substantiated. Former president Jacob Zuma also faced a similar situation, but even today, some of the allegations made against him are yet to be proven.
So this has become the norm, and people should not be worried about it. The ANC has a long track-record of changing lives, it is a pity that it seems like people have forgotten what the party has delivered over the years,” he said.
Moloi admitted that morale was low among the ANC members and the public, but insisted that people had not lost hope in the ANC. He also predicted that some may opt to leave the party post-conference, as it has happened before.
“Opinions always differ during conferences. People have different views and opinions, while others join ANC for experimentation. They will jump to form or join other parties with the status of being former ANC members - a glorious movement,” he said.
While Moloi subscribed to the views of the ANC KZN provincial executive committee to elect former health minister Zweli Mkhize as the next party president, he warned delegates not to be overwhelmed by popularity but to be guided by principles when they elect leaders.
While the contest for the NEC was hot within the party’s branches, Moloi said for him it was not about being elected but making a contribution during the conference.
“I will have an opportunity to raise my points. I wish those who will emerge will implement the resolution that will be taken and also work for the people. I wish to encourage delegates to vote for people who have vision in their personal capacity. People who will be able to work with other leaders and drive the vision of the ANC forward.
“We will be advancing the will of the people in Nasrec. The ANC does not have an executive president, we therefore all have a responsibility as branches, regions, and provinces to advance the will of the ANC. So post the conference it will be our collective responsibility to restore the faith people have in the ANC.
“We represent people from the rural areas, there are so many challenges that we would like the party to incorporate to the resolution that would be made post the conference. I also understand that there are general elections that are fast approaching, and the issues of urban decay and renewal and fast-tracking delivery will be vital,” he said.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE