We don’t know who voted what, says Kodwa

ANC KZN spokesperson Mdumiseni Ntuli said ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe and the party’s national executive committee (NEC) had a responsibility to lead the process of identifying those who went against the party’s decision.

He said Mantashe had given “instructions” to the ANC caucus hours before the vote took place, telling MPs to reject the motion.

“The NEC must lead all of us in this regard because we have done our part with MPs who are behaving like Makhosi Khoza. Gauteng has done its part to call Mondli Gungubele to order,” said Ntuli.

However, ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa dismissed reports of a witch-hunt.

“It was a secret ballot; we don’t know who voted what. A secret ballot is about exercising your own right.”

He said the governing party would not respond to “leagues and factions” because they were an organisation.

“Our submission to the Speaker was: ‘We will support any decision you take, secret or not’.”

Acting SACP spokesperson Mhlekwa Nxumalo said that instead of going on a witch-hunt to find out who voted against the party, the ANC should work harder at ensuring there was unity.

Nxumalo’s sentiments were echoed by Cosatu president S’dumo Dlamini, who also warned against tracking down those who had voted against Zuma.

“The ANC must look into this matter without emotions. There should be no witch-hunt.

“The party needs to face the perception and reality that they are not united and work at fixing that.” – Additional reporting by Tebogo Monama