ANC leadership slammed over interference
Eastern Cape ANC leadership has come under sharp criticism from the party's Walter Sisulu ward 29 branch which complained about political interference in Buffalo City metro's affairs.
Branch secretary Monde Tshalanga lashed out at provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi after he wrote to Buffalo City metro mayor Princess Faku instructing her to withdraw the dismissal of her mayoral committee member for sport, recreation and community development, Graham Lottering.
Faku fired Lottering on 25 July, but Ngcukayitobi allegedly ordered her to reverse the decision.
Branch rejects ANC interference in mayor's decision
In a letter to Lottering, the mayor cited the councillor's interference in affairs of the portfolio's municipal directorate in contravention of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act.
Faku is a member of the ANC branch which expressed concern about Ngcukayitobi's interference in her work.
ALSO READ: Mbalula accused of taking sides in Buffalo City leadership revolt
Tshalanga indicated it was not Ngcukayitobi's responsibility to tell a state institution like a municipality what to do.
'It is unprecedented that the ANC would issue an instruction to a government institution,' Tshalanga said.
'The political instruction by the provincial secretary to the executive mayor is shocking, unlawful political interference on the running of the municipality and contravenes the established organisational protocols [and] rules that guide the relationship between the organisation and its deployees to government.'
'It is unprecedented'
He said the ANC had governance structures to ensure that there was broad accountability for the work of the ANC in government.
The ANC has been managing the dichotomy of politics and the state very well, allowing the state to operate separately while the organisation focuses on its political work outside the state apparatus.
ALSO READ: Buffalo City mayor urges foreign spaza owners to comply with SA laws
Tshalanga accused Ngcukayitobi of usurping the mayor's constitutional executive power and breaching other laws on municipal governance.
He said even the ANC constitution did not give Ngcukayitobi the power to supervise a government institution, contrary to his letter's implication.
'It is unprecedented for the ANC official to issue instructions to the executive mayor in this manner and this undermines the constitution and various laws. It also creates false perceptions about political management of the party and government relations.
Party-state relations need sound, rational management
'The party-state relations need sound, rational management to safeguard and protect the integrity and independence of both the political organisation and the state.'
The ANC in Dr WB Rubusana region is divided into two factions – one backing Faku, who is regional chair, and the other secretary Antonio Carelse.
ALSO READ: ANC suspends membership of two Eastern Cape councillors
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mr President, delay National Dialogue
This country does need to talk but it doesn't need a half-baked process. One has to think President Cyril Ramaphosa was born into the wrong epoch. Clearly, he would have been better off in Roman times when, with his air of quiet boredom, he could have given Emperor Nero a run for his money in playing a nice tune while flames engulfed all around him. Of course, legend has it that Nero was fiddling… and while Ramaphosa has not been caught doing that, many of his comrades in the ANC have for years been fiddling while playing the rest of us for suckers. That's part of the reason the country is being engulfed by crime and collapse. True to the Nero inspiration, Ramaphosa has been pursuing the idea of a National Dialogue which, when it was first proposed by civil society groups some time ago, seemed like a good idea. The DA said it wouldn't back it because it would simply turn into an ANC electioneering platform. ALSO READ: National Dialogue will go ahead despite withdrawal of foundations, Ramaphosa says Now, though, some of the major backers of the dialogue – including the Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk Foundations – are pulling out because they believe the president is trying to steamroller the process, not allowing them enough time to prepare for Friday's grand get-together. One does have to wonder about the seemingly indecent haste to get this project off the ground, especially given Ramaphosa's track record of lethargy in decision-making, never mind that the ANC is never in a hurry for anything except the drinks table at a government reception… Ramaphosa says he is determined that the dialogue will go ahead, Thabo Mbeki be damned. We don't think this is the right attitude, especially considering Mbeki has the elder statesman's gravitas which could hold the whole circus together. This country does need to talk, but it doesn't need a half-baked process. Please, Mr President, delay this for just a little while. NOW READ: When voters choose chaos over change
The Herald
3 hours ago
- The Herald
Police union says killings of cops points to crisis
SA African police union national spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale said there was 'no political will' to declare police killings as treason. "Police officers are representing the state, and the state must take measures to protect the protectors, as an attack on police or law enforcement officers is an attack on the State. The continuous attack on police officers means the State is under attack,' Thobakgale said. 'There can never be a decrease on police killings that can be appreciated. We [would] rather celebrate a zero number on police and law enforcement officers being reported every quarter." According to Mamabolo, the rate of attacks on officers remained unacceptably high. 'While there have been moments where crime statistics have reflected marginal decreases in certain categories, the sustained targeting of law enforcement shows that more decisive and coordinated action is needed. This requires not only better resourcing of the police — including training, equipment, and staffing — but also stronger community–police partnerships to rebuild trust, gather intelligence and prevent attacks before they happen. On Saturday, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola visited the families of the slain Gauteng officers. 'Indeed, we cannot remain silent, and it cannot be business as usual when criminals have clearly declared war on the authority of the state. 'I am making this call again to all police officers in the country: do not die with the tools and resources that we have given you. The men and women in blue must act appropriately when circumstances allow them to act. Remember to always use force that is proportional to the threat. 'I plead with you, do not let your guard down, always be a step ahead of these criminals to ensure the safety and security of the people of this country," Masemola said. On Sunday he visited Mtshweni's family in Mpumalanga. He also said one person has since been arrested in connection with the officer's murder. The acting minister of police, Prof Firoz Cachalia, also visited the families of the two detectives in Roodepoort on Sunday. He said: 'These senseless acts of violence against our men and women in blue are an attack on the rule of law and on the safety of all South Africans. We strongly condemn these heinous crimes, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice. 'We call on all SAPS members to remain alert at all times and to make full and appropriate use of the tools of trade issued to them.' SowetanLIVE
Eyewitness News
3 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Andile Lungisa calls for disbandment of ANC NEC
JOHANNESBURG - After months of delays and a National Executive Committee (NEC) in shambles last week, Andile Lungisa has emerged as the lone voice calling for the African National Congress (ANC)'s highest decision-making body to be disbanded. EWN understands Lungisa, who is a part of the NEC stood up to make the call during last week's meeting. He's suggested former president Thabo Mbeki should take over the reins as convener, while former ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe should become the coordinator. Lungisa has seemingly brought back calls for the NEC to be disbanded, similar suggestions were made following a bruising performance in the 2024 elections. READ: After national budget passed, ANC looks set to resume NEC meetings EWN understands Lungisa told the party's highest decision-making body in between conferences, that it failed, criticising its inability to hold timely NEC meetings, not bothering to gather even amid a budget crisis. He's believed to have said the current NEC not only brought the ANC to 40% in the last elections but has no concrete plans to change its luck next year. Lungisa also hit out at his party over its lack of documents or positions to counter the country's failing economy and rising unemployment, instead accusing the ANC of allowing private interests to take over State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Some NEC members have echoed his sentiments, telling EWN that the NEC is not even showing signs of readiness for its upcoming National General Council, let alone this week's National Dialogue, which it endorsed. Lungisa could not be reached for comment.
