Cape Town – Some ANC members reportedly entered into discussions with veteran party member Mavuso Msimang on Saturday, aiming to convince him to reconsider his decision to resign.
Msimang submitted his resignation letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula last Wednesday, saying that he believes his efforts would be more effectively utilised elsewhere.
He cited concerns about South Africa’s struggling economy, the poor functioning of state-owned entities like Eskom and Transnet, and the ANC’s failure to curb corruption.
Analysts believe his resignation could negatively impact the ANC’s performance in the 2024 elections, highlighting the party’s struggles with corruption and the need for moral support.
ALSO READ | Ramaphosa laments Msimang’s resignation
Msimang has been critical of the ANC’s failures in recent years, prompting a call from ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for veterans to work within the party’s structures instead of attacking it, The Citizen reported.
According to the Sunday Times, ANC veterans have made efforts to persuade Msimang to reconsider his decision to resign.
“I’m talking to my comrades. I feel their hurt and they are sincere,” the report quoted Msimang as saying.
“Well, if I left, I will then have to apply for membership. Somebody will have to readmit me. I’m not sure at this stage.
“If I apply [for membership] they will decide whether they want to take me back or not. Any announcement will depend on whether the person who holds the key to the gates, thinks it [accepting my readmission] makes sense or not,” said Msimang.
Laste week, President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed regret over Msimang’s resignation.
In his statement, Ramaphosa characterised Msimang’s decision as “regrettable” but noted his satisfaction that Msimang remains involved in national matters.
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
“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.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
