Vuyo Mvoko
THE Azanian People’s Organisation faces sharp internal conflict with the imminent return from exile of its sister organisation, the Black Consciousness Movement of Azania.
A well-placed source has revealed that fears of a leadership wrangle “similar to that of the United Democratic Front after the return of the ANC” are mounting.
The BCMA’s return will follow hard on the heels of internal battles in Azapo between pragmatists and ideological diehards over whether the organisation should participate in the April election. Azapo’s national council decided to maintain the organisation’s election boycott stance.
The BCMA will dissolve in August, a month before Azapo holds its annual congress.
Mosibudi Mangena, chairman of the BCMA and commander-in-chief of the Azanian National Liberation Army, is a strong contender for the presidential seat, and returnees are expected to throw their weight behind him. While the internal constituency might not know much about him, they do know he is the man who gave personality to the BCMA in exile.
The other option is current president Itumeleng Mosala. Both modest and outspoken, Mosala is respected within the organisation for challenging the militant rhetoric of his colleagues.
However, his ambiguous language prior to elections and apparent willingness to accept a government post if Mandela offered him one, are thought to have eroded his support among militants, who still form the majority in Azapo.
Insiders think ideological diehards will be caught between the articulate, humorous and militant current deputy president, Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, and Mangena.
Another choice would be veteran and national chairman Nchaupe Aubrey Mokoape, who has receded to the background in recent years but is said to be making a comeback.
Exiled George Wauchope, one of the most powerful publicity and general secretaries Azapo has had, has been earmarked for this position on his return.
“Azapo is waiting for the euphoria about the ANC victory in the elections to dissolve. Without socialism, nationalisation and a firm preparedness to confiscate land from whites and give it to black people, Azapo believes the ANC will not be able to deliver,” the source said.
Azapo hopes to exploit the “dominance in the ANC by whites and Indians which is very much out of keeping with its constituency”. It also hopes to benefit from dissident groups within the Pan Africanist Congress.