I have always wondered why the president and ANC communication officers do not take up pens and cross swords with the traitor, Sipho Seepe. I think they are reluctant to do that because it will elevate the status of an African brother who is now a sell-out.
Some of us are not enthusiastic to respond to Seepe’s nonsensical rubbish because we do not want to be perceived fighting a black brother. But Seepe’s claims and insults cannot go on unchallenged.
It is the prerogative of every president in a democratic country to appoint ministers. In Britain director generals are regarded as permanent secretaries/ministers. In South Africa the ministers appoint director generals. Of course this is a delegated function. The ANC Deployment Committee led by Jacob Zuma primarily handles the appointments of mayors and premiers. The Deployment Committee makes recommendations to the president, who takes the final decision after communicating with his comrades.
The ANC is 90 years old, and for 82 of these years it was not governing. Most of our people joined the movement for the purpose of liberating the country, not because they wanted to become mayors and premiers. They risked death or imprisonment. The problem is that today there are people who join the organisation to pursue personal ambition. It is on these grounds that the ANC promotes/appoints hardworking cadres. The appointments for senior positions are centralised to avoid internal battles. Most of us black intellectuals understand this and will not apologise for it.
The problem with black brothers like Seepe is their level of comprehension. They do not understand the complications and issues confronting the ANC. Seepe accuses the government of not delivering. He claims that African lives are “certainly cheaper under the ANC government”. This is a lie and an insult of the highest order. Some of us have seen lots of development and service delivery in the rural areas and townships.
Had it not been for the ANC’s contributions people like Chris Landsberg (Wits), Vincent Maphai (South African Breweries), Xolela Mangcu (Steve Biko Foundation), Andile Mazwai (Mazwai & Co) and Seepe (Vista University) would not be what they are. I do not understand why the African Institute for Personal Excellence & Leadership recognised a man (Seepe) who insults our liberation movement and president as an African role model. I am afraid this may mislead our youth. They may think insulting black leaders and disrespect are virtues. Brother Seepe, please come back to your own African people, all will be forgiven. Rabelani Dagada