Divisions within the African National Congress in the North West Province played themselves out at a rally in Ikageng township outside Potchefstroom on Saturday. ANC supporters surprised a delegation from the national executive committee and the provincial executive committee when they produced posters with messages of dissatisfaction.
The posters questioned the leaders on a range of issues, such as: ”Why do you want to impose leadership on us?” Another read: ”We want the results of the list conference” and another, in Tswana, said: ”Ga relelele Nono, Ramoeletsi, re lelela ANC” [We’re not crying for Nono (Maloyi the provincial chairperson), Ramoeletsi (secretary Supra Mahumapelo), we’re crying for the ANC.]
ANC marshals quickly confiscated the posters – which displayed the ANC logo.
Supporters packed the Ikageng stadium and appeared to be there for the singing and dancing rather than to listen to their leaders.
Luthuli House sent a delegation, which included Minister of Education Naledi Pandor, Sicelo Shiceka, the Minister of Provincial and Local Government, Joyce Mabudhafasi, the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and NEC members Thabadiawa Mufamadi and Lumka Yengeni.
Provincial chairperson Nono Maloyi told supporters that they should remember why they had joined the ANC. ”You are not Nono Maloyi’s members, you are not Supra Mahumapelo’s members, you are ANC members,” he said.
South African Communist Party secretary in the province, Madoda Sambatha, said ANC’s problems should be dealt with internally. ”Some of you have been holding posters, those are family problems. You don’t put family problems for the public to see.”
Sambatha said ANC enemies are capitalising on internal problems to divide the ruling party.
Angie Motshekga, main speaker and ANC Women’s League president, drew attention to the party’s achievements such as the provision of houses and schools as well as social and pension grants. ”We never had rich people before the ANC government, we’re happy that we now have millionaires in our country,” he said.
Irritated by the tense crowd, she asked them if they were scared of the Reverend Mvume Dandala, the Congress of the People’s presidential candidate.
”They came with priests, all that is left is for them to bring the pope.”
Provincial secretary Supra Mahumapelo was confident the ANC would do well in the province, but he had a controversial way of encouraging people to take pride in the party, saying they should fight off every attempt to kick them out of the ANC. ”We know that there are people who want to drive you out of the ANC, we know some ridicule you and beat you up. Do not leave the ANC,” said Mahumapelo to a loud cheer.
The manifesto launch was attended by celebrities such as musician Kekeletso Phoofolo from Joyous Celebration and William Mthethwa, who has just released an ANC campaign album. Soccer stars Phil Masinga, Doctor Khumalo, Helman Mkhalele and Tebogo Moloi also attended the rally.