ANC regions could face ‘bullying’ from party bigwigs

ANALYSTS have warned that the disbanding of an ANC regional structure for allegedly backing unsanctioned candidates could set a precedent ahead of the upcoming party national conference.

The warning follows the dissolution the Amathole regional executive committee (REC) by the provincial executive committee (PEC) could open the door for other provinces to “punish” regions that refuse to toe the line.

The Amathole REC was disbanded amid claims “it could not save itself from itself.”

ANC members in Amathole, however, believe the move was factionally driven, as the region had opted to support former premier Phumulo Masualle in the race for ANC leadership.

Masualle is a long time rival of Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, with whom he clashed during the infamous 2017 ANC conference, dubbed “the festival of chairs,” in 2017.

Matiwane described their disbandment as a political purge. The REC is expected to appeal the decision.

Analysts have warned that more regional structures could be disbanded.

Professor Sipho Seepe said what the upper structures were doing was bullying. “There are penalties for going against the grain; those who choose to act independently should expect that there will be penalties; that is the risk.”

He said the more powerful structures, including the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC), would not hesitate to use its power and influence to control the conference outcomes.

“In the ANC, we have what they call democratic centralism, which means that once the higher structures have decided, the lower structures must abide.

“There are also sites of power and influence. This is why the NEC could disband leagues, provincial structures, and even the REC whenever it felt like it because it carries the power and uses it,” Seepe said.

He was referring to the disbanded ANC Youth and Women’s leagues.

Another analyst, Professor Andre Duvenhage, said this was proof that the ANC and most of its structures were dysfunctional.

“It is not working. They are very ineffective; there is a lot of maladministration and corruption going on.”