No swipe intended

MEC for Human Settlements Honourable Babalo Madikizela seeks to clarify reports that he “took a swipe” at former ANC chairperson Phumulo Masualle (“Madikizela Mauls Masualle”, DD, Jan 10).

Last week, the Daily Dispatch reported that Madikizela likened Masualle to a sheep whose provincial executive committee placed the party in financial deficit.

Madikizela, who is also the governing party’s provincial treasurer, was tasked with delivering the vote of thanks during the party’s 107th birthday celebrations at the ANC’s headquarters, Calata House in King William’s Town.

In his speech, Madikizela detailed the strides made by the party over the past years, including the status of its finances.

Madikizela cautioned the ANC against under-estimating the power of the party’s voting constituency, saying that the ANC should not be judged only through individual leaders but also through the collective power of the masses.

In emphasising his point, he referenced a well-known phrase: “An army of sheep commanded by a lion is more to be feared than an army of lions commanded by a sheep.”

Translating the phrase, Madikizela was explaining that the public, political analysts and commentators continue to ignore the army of “lions” (the people) that are the driving force behind all ANC leaders.

At no point did Madikizela refer to Premier Masualle as a sheep responsible for the party’s financial woes. The report, which took the MEC’s sentiments out of context, is unfortunate and may imply that the MEC bemoaned the former provincial chairperson. Madikizela continues to respect the work done by his comrade Masualle and such reports are disturbing.

– Simthandile Ford, spokesperson, Eastern Cape Human Settlements, via e-mail