E Cape PEC enters Lungisa-Mantashe war of words
ANC provincial leaders have given Andile Lungisa until today to resign as the party’s Nelson Mandela Metro regional chairman.
But in a strongly worded letter to secretary-general (SG) Gwede Mantashe, Lungisa declared that only the party’s national executive committee (NEC) had the power to remove him from office.
Provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane confirmed yesterday that the provincial leaders had given Lungisa an ultimatum.
“Telling Andile not to contest the metro position is not a new thing.
“We advised him as far back as early 2016, when the metro was due for conference.
“At the time he said branch nominations were just that. The excuse of constitutional issues from him is a new thing. He is just twisting and turning things for no reason,” said Mabuyane yesterday.
In the letter – the contents of which Lungisa said he would not discuss with the Dispatch – he wrote: “In order to ensure that there is no misunderstanding, I will step down from the position of the chairperson should I be advised to do so pursuant to the decision of the NEC.
“At this point in time, it is our understanding that the matter is still pending before the NEC, and as such, the elected leadership shall be remaining in its position.”
This comes three weeks after Mantashe wrote to Lungisa informing him that he had reported him to the national disciplinary committee and the NEC after he went against his advice not to contest as the metro regional chairman.
The ANC secretary-general reasons that disciplinary action against Lungisa is necessary because he flouted the ANC’s constitution by making himself available for the regional chair when he is already a provincial executive committee (PEC) member and, as such, not supposed to contest any position in a lower structure.
But Lungisa is just as adamant that, according to the ANC’s constitution, no one in good standing is barred from contesting any leadership position.
The war of words between the two was further complicated this week when Mabuyane entered the fray. He wrote to Lungisa, informing him that his PEC peers – the provincial top five – had discussed his case.
“The PEC officials in their consideration concurred with the NEC officials and you are therefore advised to resign from the position of chairperson in the ANC in Nelson Mandela Metro,” wrote Mabuyane.
“The decision must be effected latest by Thursday March 23. Failure to heed this advice may lead to disciplinary action being considered against you.”
Lungisa confirmed receiving the letter, but said it was an ANC internal matter as he had responded in writing to the SG.
“And that is all from me. The case is now in the hands of the NEC.”
The Dispatch has seen a copy of the letter Lungisa was referring to, in which he stated that the NEC was the highest decision-making body.
“It is our understanding that the reason why the matter has been referred to the NEC is for a binding and a final decision to be taken.
“It stands to reason that prior to the final decision of the NEC on the matter, the secretary-general lacks authority to instruct the elected chairperson of the region to stand down,” Lungisa wrote.
A few hours after sending this response to Mantashe, Lungisa continued with his political programme this week as regional chairman.
As part of his programme Lungisa welcomed guests at the 32nd Langa massacre commemoration event in Uitenhage on Tuesday. —