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ANC needs a new gameplan, say stalwarts

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Following the re-election of ANC leader in the Western Cape, Marius Fransman, long-standing ANC members have spoken out, expressing their concern for the party’s future in the province amid fears of an increase in corruption and nepotism within the provincial ranks.

A new executive committee was elected at the 8th Provincial Conference at the weekend, which includes Fransman as chairperson, deputy chairperson Khaya Magaxa, secretary Faiz Jacobs, deputy secretary Thandi Manyikivana and Maurencia Gillion as treasurer.

Former ANC member and community activist, Hanif Loonat has suggested that corruption has been rife within the party’s leadership and has questioned the tactics of Fransman and his team. Speaking to VOC on Monday, Loonat said there were “opportunists” within the executive committee in the province, citing this as the reason for the party’s drop in support during the 2014 provincial elections.

“Personally, I don’t think this is the team to take this party to success. If you speak to true stalwarts of the party, they will even tell you that the current team is not one to be trusted with affairs of the party within the Western Cape,” Loonat said.

“What I am saying should not be taken personally, but it should be taken as criticism that is honestly in the favour of the ANC organisation which is challenged in this province. I have written myself off from ever running for a post within the ANC in this province. From my experience, you get marginalised for being honest. You need to be devious and indulge in under-handed tactics to even be considered. These are the things that need to be eradicated if we really want to win this province,” Loonat continued.

He believes the only way Fransman can actually win back the support of the Western Cape is by referring back to the older, more experienced ANC stalwarts.

Echoing Loonat’s sentiments was Rashaad Carlsen, a former PEC member in the province. While stressing his fervent support for the party, at the same time, he questioned the election process which led to the beginning of Fransman’s second term.

“It is not about the people anymore. It is about how much power I can muster, how much influence I can gather and how much money I can make. There is a tendency from the ANC national level to elect a person of colour into a leadership position within the Western Cape to secure the vote of the people. Instead, what we need is a competent person and Fransman is not a competent person. This is not the way that the ANC should go,” Carlsen continued.

“No other party in this country can come close to the ANC’s policies but it is individuals like Fransman who will ensure that we do not win the elections next year. They will setback the progress we’ve made pre 1994 so I believe it is time we stood up.”
Carlsen feared ANC politicians, more particularly in the Western Cape have established themselves within the party as a career move and now focus on personal gain and sustaining a certain lifestyle rather than focussing on the needs of the people.

The new provincial executive committee consists of: Richard Dyantyi, Lulama Mvimbi, Magdalene Titus, Jabu Mfusi, Andile Lili, Vinolia Gungubele, Linda Moss, Nokuthula Nqaba, Kenny Jacobs. Nompumelelo Hani , John Stuurman , Amos Komeni , Amanda Swart , Nozi Ntongana , Lionel Adendorf , Felicia Humphreys , Joubert Skei , Sifiso Tso Ndala Mtsweni, Elese Depoutch , Catherine Marthinus , Jerimia Thuynsma , Edward Njadu , Jones Juliet, Maria Fielies , Yolisa Ndyalivan , Kwanele Gugushe , Zou Kota-Fredericks , Rhoda Bazier, Nondumiso Sono and Belinda Landingwe.

The new ANC leadership is expected to brief the media on Tuesday on its roadmap to the 2016 municipal elections. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)


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