NC ANC factions in stand-off
ANC MEMBERS, who are campaigning for the party to be led by Premier Sylvia Lucas (#Sylvin), set a poster alight to signify that “#Zamani must fall”, while an ANC provincial and national meeting was taking place at the Frances Baard municipal district offices yesterday.
The #Sylvin group carried placards, calling for an end to acts of intimidation, vote rigging and the manipulation of branch general meetings, as they toyi-toyied in the streets.
“The members who are supporting ANC provincial secretary Zamani Saul (#ZamDesh) do not have our energy or stamina. They were promised jobs and tenders, in exchange for votes. We condemn the use of state resources to run a political campaign,” the protesters said.
The protest had to be shifted on to the side of the road, due to complaints regarding the obstruction of traffic in the main street.
#Sylvin members were bussed in from Phokwane, Dikgatlong and Magareng, while the #ZamDesh group indicated that they were mainly locally based.
Both groups indicated that they wanted “nothing to do with each other” following a scuffle, where members assaulted each other at the ANC provincial lekgotla, which was held at the Horseshoe Motel on Monday.
There was a strong police presence at the Frances Baard municipal offices yesterday, where Public Order Police, highway patrol and an armoured vehicle monitored the crowd for any possible outbreaks of violence.
Politicians’ protectors waited inside the premises while ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe and national ANC deployee Mcebisi Skwatsha addressed the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
An ANC member from Phokwane, Mojalefa Sethunsa, said that members were not happy with Skwatsha being in the Province.
“He is dividing the ANC in the Northern Cape, like he did in the Western Cape that is now led by the opposition.”
Sethunsa added that they were waiting for answers to letters of complaint that were lodged with the PEC regarding the appointment of councillors, the audit of members and alleged incidents of vote rigging.
“We want to believe that our concerns will receive a fair hearing from the National Executive Council (NEC). We went to the NEC, because they did not come to us with answers.”
The #ZamDesh group, which is vying for ANC provincial chairman Zamani Saul to be elected as the incoming ANC provincial chairperson, stationed themselves at the opposite end of the street.
They sought shelter from the heat under the trees and refreshed themselves with bottles of water, cooldrinks and fruit. Some members had brought along chairs, while others seated themselves on the pavement or on top of pizza boxes.
They indicated that they were “relaxing and not fighting”.
“We all clubbed money together so that we could have some refreshments while we are enjoying the scenery, while others brought their own supplies. We do not know anything about the other group. We have our own views.”