Cape Town — President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed regret over the resignation of ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) deputy president, Mavuso Msimang.
Ramaphosa was speaking during a media interaction at an imbizo in the Matjahabeng municipality under the Lejweleputswa district in the Free State on Thursday.
In his statement, the president characterised Msimang’s decision as “regrettable” but noted his satisfaction that Msimang remains involved in national matters.
“We all join the ANC on a voluntary basis (as individuals), and he has reached a stage where he would like to step down from being a member of the ANC. There are many other members who join the ANC on a continuous basis, so we do regret the decision that he has taken, and I am rather pleased that he says that he will want to continue being involved in one shape, form or other in matters that have to do with our country,” said Ramaphosa.
“I hold him in the highest regard; he is one of our outstanding veterans,” he added.
As one of our outstanding veterans, Cde Mavuso Msimang’s resignation is regrettable. We all join the ANC on a voluntary basis and as such the ANC continues to grow. I am pleased that he has said he intends to continue with his activism. pic.twitter.com/lMdYsvIgZM
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) December 7, 2023
According to TimesLIVE, Msimang criticised the ANC rule, which he described as a “calamity” and was something he could no longer invest his energy in.
Ramaphosa emphasised that Msimang’s contribution to the party will remain valuable and reiterated his call for the veterans to “stop de-campaigning the ANC” and work through the structures of the organisation. He stated that party leadership, including himself, has always made themselves available for counsel and direction from the veterans.
As reported by IOL, ANCVL president, Snuki Zikalala, said that the current stance taken by the league was the best way to renew the ANC and fight against corruption.
This follows ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s assertion that the veterans were undermining the party with their comments.
The ANCVL asserted that ANC members implicated in corruption should not join the ranks of new members of Parliament or provincial legislatures after the 2024 elections.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
