ANC has become a different animal

On Monday, the ANC turned 112 years old. That’s a milestone. Few political parties achieve that. The party has played an important role in the liberation of South Africa. And it is still central in the politics of this country.

It has what it traditionally calls the January 8th Statement, which is delivered by the president. This year, the statement will be delivered on Saturday in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.

The ANC’s January 8th Statement used to be one of the most anticipated speeches. However, it has become just another speech. Why has it lost its significance? The governing party has failed to take the masses to the promised land. Instead, it is focusing on power struggles and internal fights.

The party does not have the best interest of the masses at heart. Instead, it is inward looking and members are fighting for tenders and business deals.

The ANC used to have good leadership. Now, poor leadership is the order of the day. For instance, Fikile Mbalula, pictured, is the worst secretary-general the party has had.

Mbalula is a clown and speaks out of tune. He has previously criticised party elders, including former president Thabo Mbeki.

On several occasions, he was forced to withdraw his statements and apologise. That means he has no respect for elders.

Also, the party’s finances are not in order. In the past, the ANC has failed to pay its staff. As a result, some have lost their houses and vehicles. If it cannot manage its finances, how will it manage the country’s fiscus?

The governing party uses cadre deployment to put its members in government positions. However, the deployment is not based on merit. As a result, cadres who are occupying strategic positions in government are unqualified and incompetent.

China implements cadre deployment as well and that country is doing very well. Why? Because their deployment is based on merit.