ANC must accept responsibility – Mchunu
THE ANC must accept responsibility for the political violence and killings in KwaZulu-Natal, said ousted ANC KZN chairperson and axed premier Senzo Mchunu.
“When we accept this responsibility, as an organisation, we then have to act accordingly. I don’t think we have a choice,” said Mchunu.
He was testifying before the Moerane Commission of Inquiry in Mayville, Durban, yesterday into political violence in the province.
Accepting responsibility was not an instant solution, “a real solution”. He also said “strong, resolute leadership” was needed within the organisation, leadership that did not rely on factions for survival.
“Ineffectual or weak leadership becomes a contributing factor. In the long term, as a result of those weaknesses, wrong things happen, which may get people killed.”
Mchunu said extended dialogue was needed within the ANC and all political players in the province to better understand the violent past of KwaZulu-Natal, but it was the governing party that would need to “take stock”, he said.
“The ANC has to take stock of the effectiveness of its internal systems without fearing or avoiding criticism. We have to look at the bigger picture as concerns consequences.
“In the ANC, we like looking at ourselves as leaders of society. If we don’t act accordingly, there will be inconsistencies between what we say and how we act. This will decrease our days as a governing party. We have to look at reviving, rejuvenating and improving our systems.”
Asked by commissioner Vasu Gounden if he was prepared to speak to his provincial ANC peers who were effectively rendered powerless last week by a high court decision over the party’s 2015 provincial conference at which he was ousted as chairperson, Mchunu said: “I don’t think we have any other choice in KZN.”
But he said the environment had to be conducive to dialogue.
The high court verdict had opened an opportunity for dialogue, he said, and he was willing to talk to his ANC colleagues. – ANA