Mandla pleads with cousin not to desert ANC
MANDLA Mandela has written an open letter in response to his cousin, Ndileka Mandela’s, statement last week that she would no longer vote for the ANC.
The eldest granddaughter of former president Nelson Mandela said she had taken the decision in the wake of the Life Esidimeni scandal and the social grants crisis.
Ndileka, 52, said the ANC could have prevented both issues.
In response, Mandla said Ndileka should rather play a role in trying to breathe new life into the ANC and not turn away when “the house is on fire”.
“I read your heartwrenching decision with empathy and understanding. I am sure this was not an easy step for you to take as the ANC has been the heartbeat of our family for many years,” Mandla said.
“One can only imagine the many crises and challenges our grandfather uTatomkhulu Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela lived through since joining the ANC in 1944 . . . I call on you to reconsider your decision.
“What we are dissatisfied with in the ANC, it is our obligation to set right. Abandoning the ANC does not serve the people of South Africa, it only serves to weaken the ranks of those who want to restore our beloved organisation to the pride of place it deserves.” He pleaded with her to not turn from the party. “It is my hope that you, my sister, will be remembered not for turning away when the house was on fire but for following the advice of our wise elder and helping rejuvenate and modernise our political home, the ANC,” he said.
Contacted for comment, Ndileka said she was guided by her conscience.
“Granddad once said when faced with a dilemma, people of integrity, of purpose, of public morality must always look to their conscience. They must follow the dictates of their conscience irrespective of the consequences,” she said.