BIG QUESTION

them in corridors and on street corners.

According to independent political analyst Elvis Masoga, in terms of the ANC constitution and policy protocols, before any lower leadership structure can take a major decision, it must first consult a higher leadership structure, like the PEC.

Masoga said this consultative principle applied to all leadership structures of the ANC.

“The ANC’s appointment and reshuffling of deployed cadres ... has always been implemented in the ruling party since the dawn of democracy in 1994,” he said.

“The most instrumental and defining cornerstone is that any reshuffling of deployees must meet the requirements of proper consultation with a relevant senior leadership structure.

“Mathabatha’s humble demeanor and consultative leadership style has created a fertile ground for plurality of views and diversity of opinions within the ruling party in the province. But constructive factionalism should never be associated with counterproductive toxic factionalism.

“The only crippling danger that engulfs the ANC is toxic factionalism that manifests itself in the form of chronic ill discipline, crass materialism, utter disrespect towards senior leadership structures, endemic corruption, self-enrichment, predatory tendencies, belligerent populism and kleptocratic psychosis.”

A PEC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the ANC in the province was divided through factional battles.

He said the party had been divided since the road to Nasrec where President Cyril Ramaphosa triumphed over Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

“Matters came to a head when the national leadership of the ANC set aside deputy party leader Florence Radzilani and treasurer Danny Msiza for allegedly having a hand in the collapse of the now defunct VBS Mutual Bank.

“Now, the wounded slate, which lost at Nasrec, is regrouping itself ahead of three regional elective conferences earmarked to take place late this year,” said the source.

Sipho Mangesi Commercial pilot and flight instructor

Picture: AFP A woman goes to cast her ballot in Moscow yesterday during the early vote in a constitutional referendum that could extend Russian President Vladimir Putin’s term in the Kremlin.