As ANC MPs clear up their offices this week, ending their five-year term in Parliament, many fear what the future holds.
MPs seen as supporters of former president Thabo Mbeki are particularly anxious that they might be shunted sideways in favour of those who vocally backed ANC president Jacob Zuma.
The Mail & Guardian spoke to seven MPs, ranging from backbenchers to caucus leaders, who confirmed that the ANC’s reluctance to make its final electoral list public is causing strain in Parliament. The party has left the publication of the list to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
All parties must hand in their final lists on March 2, but the IEC will officially release them only after candidates have passed through the verification process, which could take up to a month.
ANC chief whip Nyami Booi confirmed it is ”quite correct that people are worried”.
”No one knows whether they are coming back and this gives rise to rumour-mongering. They start accusing one another, saying this one is going to the Congress of the People [Cope].”
A committee chairperson, who declined to be named, likened the MPs’ predicament to that of critically ill patients on death’s doorstep.
”We’re in the intensive care unit; we can’t take decisions about our futures because we don’t know. You must see the tension among members — they’re all holding their breath.”
Another caucus leader confirmed that the ANC is worried that those who do fail to make it on to the lists will try their luck with Cope.
”If the lists come out too early there’s a danger that people may look at the political market and try for a spot somewhere else,” the caucus leader said.
In the past the ANC has made it known three months before elections who is likely to go to Parliament. The lists were not officially released, but ”everybody knew where they were on them”, said a Limpopo MP.
”Now you don’t know whether you must pack up your office and house and look for a job.”
MPs receive housing at a minimal cost in Cape Town during the parliamentary term, but some relocate with their families.
”It’s primarily the backbenchers who are feeling the heat, while most of the committee chairpersons feel they’ll return. In the hallways they’re telling every-one ‘I know I’m safe’,” the committee chairperson said.
”Those connected to the system have a sense of ‘I’m comfortable’. The Polokwane thing is playing out and that makes the process more complicated,” said the Limpopo MP.
An ANC backbencher said the leaking of the list to the media after the national list conference ”caused consternation”.
”Everyone was phoning around asking what’s happening. It’s quite a stressful time,” she said.
An MP who also serves on the ANC’s national executive committee said whining would not boost MPs’ chances.
”This attitude is not appreciated by the leadership. You’re here to serve in whichever capacity we deploy you.”