/ 8 April 2010

ANC dismisses 2012 ‘plot’ reports

The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday dismissed media reports about plots to get rid of its present leadership.

The party dismissed “with contempt” an article in Wednesday’s Sowetan headlined “ANC faction ‘plots’ to oust leadership”, spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.

“Any attempt by any newspaper or any formation to implicate members and leaders of the ANC in their smear campaign against the ANC is divisive and mischievous and devoid of the truth.”

The Sowetan reported there was a move within the ANC to overhaul the party’s leadership in 2012, to give nationalists more power and neutralise the left.

The ANC said its national executive committee had issued a directive to members and structures to refrain from any succession debate and discussion.

“This will be done at an appropriate time as stipulated by the ANC constitution.” — Sapa