The Pan Africanist Congress leadership is facing an open revolt among its Transkei PAC branches over the suspension of the armed struggle.
Transkei branches have refused orders to shun top party officials who publicly criticised the armed struggles suspension and have banned some national executive members from certain areas.
Resistance to die armed struggle decision from militant membership In Transkei – a crucial stronghold – could hardly have taken national leadership by surprise, but their high-handedness in dealing with the problem has aggravated the growing dissent.
It is unlikely Transkei PAC membership would split from the organisation, but it could lead to a bid to replace a leadership they charge has sold out. Such a power struggle will detract from the PAC’s preparations as a contender in the elections.
Transkei Central regional secretary Mfanel Skwatsha called the decision a “capitulation”, accusing leaders of contravening the mandate to negotiate a mutual cessation of hostilities. He said he acted in response to complaints from Umtata office members.
PAC Central publicity secretary Pasika Nontshiza agrees. NEC member Waters Toboti backed this position in a speech in Umtata and he and Skwatsha were suspended pending a disciplinary inquiry.
The meeting was postponed when NEC member Dr Peter Mayende arrived uninvited and deputy president Johnson Mlambo failed to attend. In defiance of the party’s suspension, delegates invited Skwatsha to address it.
This came in the wake of a decision by the Butterworth branch to bar members of the PAC’s national working committee from any activities in their area. — Ecna