Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) KZN Provincial Secretary, Bheki Mtolo, has issued an apology to the National Union of Allied Workers (NEHAWU).
Mtolo’s apology follows a recent meeting where he was reminded of the strength of the alliance between the ANC and COSATU, established to advance the National Democratic Revolution and support the working class, as stated in a statement shared on X.
He reflected on the alliance’s historical support for the ANC-led government, particularly during the Apartheid era.
Mtolo said that the meeting was aimed at normalising relations between the ANC in KZN and NEHAWU. This reconciliation effort came about after Mtolo was involved in a public spat with NEHAWU, where he made comments about the union during a public event in Kokstad.
He informed residents of Kokstad that issues they encountered with Home Affairs, SASSA, Emergency Services (State Ambulances), and ineffective labour inspectors were attributable to NEHAWU members.
WATCH: The provincial secretary of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, Bheki Mtolo, also turned the gun to NEHAWU, an affiliate of COSATU, an alliance partner of his party.
He told people in his hometown of Kokstad that the problems they encounter at Home Affairs, SASSA, Emergency… pic.twitter.com/CiawWnHB53
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) July 20, 2024
After discussions with the ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, and the general secretary of COSATU, Solly Phetoe, Mtolo apologised.
“I wish to unconditionally apologise to NEHAWU, its leadership and entire membership. I wish to unreservedly withdraw these statements which created an environment of mistrust and unnecessarily provocative,” he said.
He added that the most important lesson learnt was that mistakes made in the course of a struggle for social transformation should not be repeated.
Mtolo said that it was normal for people in the alliance to have differing views on any matter but he was advised by Mbalula not to be hostile to constructive criticism.
He was happy that the matters of the meeting were discussed thoroughly to allow for the best outcome for everyone involved in the matter.
“In conclusion, I wish to affirm my commitment to work for the unity of the alliance and to further the objective of the National Democratic Revolution,” he said.
ANC KZN Provincial Secretary Cde Bheki Mtolo apologizing unreservedly NEHAWU
“I wish to unconditionally apologize to NEHAWU, its leadership and entire membership. I wish to unreservedly withdraw these statements which created an environment of mistrust and unnecessary… pic.twitter.com/hNnJE2Dfv7
— African National Congress (@MYANC) September 3, 2024
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Mbalula confirmed that the meeting was a success following Mtolo’s apology.
“The meeting appreciated that comrade Mtolo’s remarks were unfortunate, and the platform chosen to air such views fueled the tensions. Rather than a constructive political engagement between members of the alliance,” he said.
He said NEHAWU had also withdrawn the court challenge against Mtolo and the ANC.
[WATCH] “Bheki Mtolo’s remarks were unfortunate. The platform chosen to air such views fueled the tensions.” ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the KZN ANC secretary will be directed to apologise and retract his comments on NEHAWU. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/pdIpDJC0wz
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 2, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
