The ANC stated it is not concerned about the public remarks made by its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, towards Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi, despite claims that the comments are causing a rift between the two. Picture: Mujahid Safodien/Independent Newspapers
The African National Congress (ANC) stated it is not concerned about the public remarks made by its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, towards Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi, despite claims that the comments are causing a rift between the two.
Last week, Lesufi was summoned to Luthuli House to explain his critical remarks about the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Mbalula said Lesufi explained himself and they accepted the explanation.
However, in an interview with eNCA on Sunday, Mbalula said he would never allow "rogueness", referring to Lesufi.
“If he thinks he will run a campaign against the secretary-general of the ANC, he must mind his steps because we will act. We will never tolerate rogueness in the ANC. If he has decided to run a campaign against me, defacing the secretary-general of the ANC and doing so perpetually despite the fact that we are engaging politically and have settled matters, we will have to see how to get around that.
“We will never allow anarchy because we are running an organisation and our management of the organisation is informed by the principles of democratic centralism. Democratic centralism dictates that when a decision is taken by the upper structures, the lower structures follow in line,' Mbalula said.
According to Mbalula, he called Lesufi and told him not to behave like the SA Communist Party (SACP) general secretary. "We are in the ANC here and I have given him that platform, he explained himself for less than five minutes and his explanations were accepted,” Mbalula said.
Addressing the media on Monday, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane said they met with Lesufi and can safely say "The organisation is not concerned about what has happened and what is evolving."
The ANC is on Monday reflecting on the 100th day of the GNU at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.
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