Leaders must not use social media to attack each other
ONE OF my recent articles is titled: “Leaders must be cautious before they post their views”. It was with reference to Helen Zille’s colonialism tweet.
I used the word “leaders,“and I was also including people like the Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula, because he is also a leader by virtue of him being a cabinet minister.
His tweet whereby he was disapproving of the Premier of the Free State Ace Magashule’s endorsement for the position of ANC secretary-general is a manifestation of political immaturity.
I believe that the division in the ANC is, inter alia, caused by expressions and tweets of people like Mbalula. These people should embark on striving to strengthen unity in the movement rather than posting tweets that are crude.
People at grass-roots level, particularly the youth, adore leaders as their role models. If the leaders are behaving in a manner that is unbecoming, to an extent that they can irresponsibly tweet about one another, then what kind of future leaders are expected from the youth?
Whether Mbalula’s views about Magashule are right or wrong, he should not have used social media for that.
Surely, there are correct and relevant platforms within the structures of the ANC where people like Mbalula can express themselves.
He does not have that right to dictate to people on those believed to be politically qualified to lead the ANC. Those who are politically sensitive would want Mbalula to explain his words, when he said that Magashule “will finish what is remaining of our movement, he will kill it”.
Mbalula owes an explanation to those who believe in Magashule as the right candidate for the position of the ANC secretary-general. The stance of people on who should lead them in the ANC must not be undermined and disrespected.
I believe that there is a lot that leaders can tweet about – issues that can lift the spirits of people and also their hope in terms of service delivery.
Perhaps Mbalula should have tweeted about his plan of action on how he is going to combat crime rather than attacking his fellow comrade-cumleader.
Those who are calling for Magashule to become the future ANC secretary-general are able to substantiate and justify their call. Perhaps he has a flair for leadership as viewed by his followers, especially as he is the longest-serving provincial ANC’s chairperson.
It is uncalled for and disgusting for leaders of the same organisation to attack each other on social media.
If the ANC wants to restore hope and unity within its members, then Mbalula cannot be left undisciplined for his tweet.
Otherwise, the ANC will be seen as the organisation that does not care when some of its leaders defame the characters of others. Temba, Hammanskraal