‘Freedom of speech in ANC’

LAST week, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu defended her decision to criticise President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle in which Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and his deputy, Mcebisi Jonas, among others, were sacked.

Shortly after the president had wielded his axe, a number of ANC luminaries, including Sisulu, criticised his actions in the National Executive Council and National Working Committee meetings, leading to a furore both inside and outside the ANC.

Sisulu said the ANC and its structures always provided opportunities for people to exercise their democratic right to speak their mind. “There is freedom of speech in the ANC,” she said. We’re pleased that Sisulu has reaffirmed what the ANC stands for.

Sometimes ordinary South Africans – and even structures within Africa’s oldest liberation movement – need to be reminded of these things.

Far too many ordinary South Africans have forgotten how bravely the ANC fought for democracy – for everyone.

But sadly, there are also far too many ANC members who see nothing wrong with ignoring the most fundamental principles of the democracy that so many fought so hard for.

Section 16 of the Bill of Rights in our constitution states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression – even outspoken critics of Zuma, such as Makhosi Khoza. The ANC Youth League needs to be reminded of this.

Khoza has not minced her words about Zuma. She wants him to quit.

It is her right to state these views – just as it is the right of those who disagree with her to do so in an equally forthright manner.

In fact, Section 17 of our Bill of Rights states that everyone has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions.

But when strong disagreement is replaced by an air of menace, and there are talks of death threats, it is time for top officials to step in.

For instance, it is unacceptable for the Youth League to have wanted to protest in front of Khoza’s home.

They can argue as much as they want to, but this is intimidation – and it must be stopped immediately.

Officials of the league must be warned that there will be serious consequences if something like this happens again.