Yengeni appointment a bitter pill

There’s no doubt Mercedes-Benz’s R10-billion expansion in East London is good news. The announcement couldn’t have come at a better time, when we needed to hear positive news.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has wasted little time welcoming this development, rightly so. Sadly, the ANC continued to dilute our excitement with not-so-good news by announcing that convicted fraudster Tony Yengeni will chair its working group on crime and corruption.

Jeff Radebe valiantly tried to explain and justify this puzzling selection and failed dismally. The ANC continues to send voters mixed signals. For a party with so many capable comrades, it chooses a tainted person to head such a crucial work group.

If there’s two things South Africans are fed up with, it’s crime and corruption. This appointment gives us the impression that the ANC doesn’t take the prevailing climate in the country seriously.

What makes me mad is the fact that the same Yengeni has been posting divisive tweets without a care in the world.

As someone watching from outside, it looks like there are comrades who have decided to destroy the ANC inside out. There are many people who still believe in the ANC, but the ANC itself seems to be giving them reasons not to.

Whether Ramaphosa wants to admit it or not, at some stage he’ll have to stamp his authority or risk being seen as a weak and indecisive leader.

If Ramaphosa wants to convince us there’s a new sheriff in town, he must let his actions do the talking.

He risks confusing investors who want to make long-term plans with regards to their stay in the country. Richardson Mzaidume

Pimville