Johannesburg – African National Congress (ANC) veteran Mavuso Msimang has quit the party of Nelson Mandela over what he said was continued corruption as the reason.
In a letter to the ANC Secretary General, seen by The Bulrushes, Mavuso said: “It is with profound sadness that I inform you of my decision to terminate my membership of the ANC”.
The letter was dated 6 December 2023.
“For several years now, the ANC has been wracked by endemic corruption, with devastating consequences on the governance of the country and the lives of poor people, of whom there continue to be so many,” wrote Msimang.
“Of course, the ANC did not invent corruption. We inherited a state that was morally bankrupt and that was built on the most profound forms of corruption.
“When we took over government in 1994, we had the moral high ground, and the conviction that we would be able to root out the old-boy networks that had benefitted from, and strangled, the apartheid economy.”
Mavuso, who said he had served the ANC “loyally and diligently for over six decades” was the deputy president of the ANC Veterans’ League.
“It is not easy to leave an organisation that continues to be home to some of the most dedicated individuals I have had the good fortune, honour, and privilege to call comrades,” said Mavuso.
“But it is time to go.”
He signed off the letter saying, “Sincere regards, Mavuso Msimang. Citizen of South Africa.”
Commenting on the matter, the ANC said on Thursday that it “notes the resignation of ANC Veterans League Deputy President and stalwart, comrade Mavuso Msimang”.
The ANC added: “Comrade Msimang is a dedicated stalwart who devoted six decades of his life to the ANC and the cause of freedom.
“His contributions remain invaluable to this day.”
On disagreements, the ANC reiterated its stance discouraging public spats involving leaders and members.
“We reiterate our call on the veterans of the ANC to stop de-campaigning the ANC and work through the structures of the organisation,” the governing party said.
“The leadership of the ANC led by its President Cyril Ramaphosa have always availed themselves for counsel and direction by veterans and stalwarts.
“The ANC has an open-door policy and internal communication systems. De-campaigning the ANC has serious implications for the public standing of the organisation.”
The ANC said it was committed to the fulfilment of the 55th Conference resolutions on renewal and unity of the movement, including discipline.
“There is sufficient evidence of the strides that are being made in this regard,” the ANC said.
