Mlungisi Hlongwane

MEDIA STATEMENT BY MLUNGISI HLONGWANE ON HIS DECISION TO REJOIN THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, MARCH 26 2009

1. INTRODUCTION

It was HG Wells who said, "In politics, strangely enough, the best way to play your cards is to lay them face upwards on the table."  One has at all times tried my level best to live up to this adage.  It has taught me to have the courage of my convictions, no matter how difficult and challenging it may be.  One has also recognised that admission of ill-conceived judgements is important for me to retain my integrity, even if it may result in one being attacked or vilified.

When the idea of a new political party was mooted, one regarded it as a positive development given the tensions and some statements within the ruling party, as well as my personal experiences and fears.  One believed that the establishment of Congress of the People (COPE) gave an opportunity to all South Africans to tackle the major challenges in a more innovative and positive way. COPE could represent an opportunity to unite our country around a common agenda by bridging age-old class and race divisions in a transparent and forward-thinking manner.  There are many who also regarded COPE in this positive light as the emergence of a modern political party.

Today, I have voluntarily decided to acknowledge my acute disappointment in COPE.  There are many, black and white, who have either joined COPE or expressed their support for COPE that share my disappointment.  On numerous occasions one has raised crucial matters within COPE structures but these have been ignored to the point that one has come to the conclusion that there are many in COPE who have pre-ordained objectives that have very little to do with the overall objective of the development of our country. COPE has not been a positive contribution to the development of the South African political milieu.  Rather it has pandered to debased and crude tendencies in an effort to acquire political power by any means necessary.

Let me though elaborate on the main reasons why one has been acutely disappointed by COPE.

2. TRIBAL TENDENCIES

First and foremost unfortunately one must report that tribal tendencies have become dominant in COPE.  These tribal tendencies have bubbled to the surface within COPE, such that it characterises what COPE is and how its formation seems to have been premised.  This has led to dubious decisions on the anticipated leadership of government and the plans hatched well before COPE's envisaged 01st National Conference in two years time.  It is imperative for me to point out that although one raises this pandering to ethnic tendencies, this does not mean that every person in COPE is a tribalist. It is regrettable that there are Xhosa speaking COPE leaders who have taken a conscious decision that COPE must be a predominantly Xhosa-led organization. For my account, I must remind the public that I was part of the core of the national leadership collective that enthusiastically campaigned for the former ANC President Mr Mbeki to retain his position in the ANC. I never saw him in any ethnic perspective but only as a candidate I needed to support for political reasons. When I resigned as the Executive Mayor of Sedibeng in the Vaal, I had no regrets since I faced pressure based on my convictions in the build up to Polokwane. It will be naïve of anyone to conclude therefore that I may be classified as a tribalist or anti Xhosa. To the contrary many of my close colleagues, who are also Xhosa-speaking, within COPE are in agreement about this ethnic tendency.

Our continent has experienced its more than fair share of the spectre of tribal and ethnic divisions and massacres.  My involvement in the struggle against apartheid was so that we as a country will transcend ethnic division and create a united non-racial society.  For me to be a part of an ethnic project in a democratic South Africa goes against the very fibre of my being.

The manner in which some of the senior COPE leaders are treated is despicable.  Understandably they will not necessarily admit it or publicly acknowledge it, but unfortunately they are under siege, with senior leaders and staff treating them like unwanted step-children. A number of other leaders at all levels of the organization including myself have faced the wrath of this tribal clique. The only discernable basis for this disgusting treatment is that we are not Xhosa speaking.

3. MANIPULATION OF DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES & THE CANDIDATE LIST PROCESS

Let me also hasten to add, I did not actively pursue any expectation of deployment to higher office.  On the contrary, one refused the Premier candidacy for COPE in Gauteng, and rather actively advocated that the candidate should be a woman.  I am on record on this matter in COPE's Congress National Committee (CNC) and the Congress Provincial Committee (CPC) in Gauteng.  Irrespective of the potential or capabilities I may or may not have, being a woman is not one of them.  The reason I raise this matter is for the members of the media and the public to note that the criticisms I shall raise on the COPE candidate list process is informed and based on matters of principle and a commitment to democracy.

The launching congress of COPE in Bloemfontein emerged with a consensus leadership and we deliberately avoided an elective conference. This strategy was informed by realistic dynamics of a new party that had to avoid elective tensions. Little did one realise that this precedent will come to haunt the party and its democratic practice.

The manipulation of the candidate list process by some leaders of COPE in several provinces and how democratic decisions are undermined is a recipe for disaster. Clearly our non-elective National Conference imposed a conduct which has now become a rule.  Whilst one remains proud of COPE Gauteng's decision to have a woman Premier candidate, together with the North West and Mpumalanga.  I shudder to think of how many democratic and participatory decisions on the candidate selection process were undermined of what one deemed to be a core principle of COPE, that of allowing the President, Premiers, and Mayors to be elected by the public when COPE could not respect its own internal public process.  One has to consider if we deliberately undermined internal structures in the candidate process, then the question begs, how honest are COPE to this commitment?

It became abundantly clear to me that the selection of the Presidential COPE candidate was a well-orchestrated tribal plan which transgressed the core of COPE's public pronouncements.  I will continue to have great respect for Dr. Dandala.  However it is crucial for him to recognise what was masterminded behind the scenes is destined to mar the organisation he belongs to, and honestly reflect on the undemocratic nature of his appointment.  Without an honest reflection it will only result in him being held captive to this agenda and promote undemocratic practice.  A select group of Xhosa-speaking leaders have embarked on secret strategy to place only Xhosa-speaking leaders at strategic political centres.

There are also individuals who harbour their own presidential ambitions and egos, who have successfully manipulated this overarching ethnic agenda, to suit their own avarice.  Upon reflection, it became clearer to me that these initial strategies were aimed at ensuring the 'correct' leadership was appointed, especially at Presidential level.  When it became clearer that this strategy was not going to provide the outcome desired, then we witnessed a complete capitulation towards this obvious ethnic agenda.

Sadly, there are many COPE leaders and members who have witnessed these disgusting developments.

4. NON-RACIALISM UNDER THREAT

Linked to this tribal tendency, is the complete lack of commitment towards non-racialism.  One has never joined a sectional title organisation.  The fight against apartheid was the fight for non-racialism.  Although, the United States has recently elected an African-American President, one remains convinced that South Africa is human society's best opportunity to create a truly non-racial society.

COPE has consistently tried to present itself as a non-racial party. However, a rudimentary observation of the COPE candidate's list reveals a total lack of diversity in the provincial lists and a symbolic, actually rhetorical, commitment to diversity in the national list.  Over time one has become convinced that the underlying reason for the lack of diversity is based on the jostling for positions, and trying to ensure that your 'own' kind is placed on the lists.

5. THE IMMORAL OVER-PROMOTION OF THE INTEREST OF THE ELITE

COPE has gone out of its way to promote the interest of an elite few at the expense of the very real and complex challenges of the poor and the paradigm of poverty facing our country.  There is nothing inherently wrong with values and principles but when its promotion is intended to drown out the issues of the poor we need to reflect if we are on the correct path. Indeed, COPE's commitment to the protection of the Constitution and the institutions of democracy is correct, however, when this commitment is utilised to deflect focus from the challenges of poverty, we must recognise the danger.

Throughout my entire political life one has openly championed and advocated for people-centred and people-driven development as leader of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and in the trade union movement. It is both a principle and strategy that lies at the heart of our development.  Deviation from this principle can only be a conscious decision and not a matter of coincidence.  The development of the poor and the fight against poverty can never become a matter up for negotiation, especially with persons who portray themselves as progressive.  If they do, you have to question their progressive credentials and you must ask yourself if one wishes to associate with this type of backward thinking?

The elite in South Africa, recent and old, are not the problem.  But placing the elite and their issues as competing with the issues of the poor and the poor itself, has the effect of further dividing our country and entrenching racial inequalities and poverty, and instilling or catalysing instability, resulting in slowing down development.  To me it has become abundantly obvious that COPE only mouths rhetorical commitment to the poor but is actively ensuring that the issues of the elite occupy the centre stage, even though its Manifesto may reflect differently.

6. THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA

The pining of many in South African society for a worthwhile opposition party to the African National Congress (ANC), particularly by many members of the electronic and print media has resulted in the parachuting of COPE into the public eye.  Over time in many ways COPE has developed into something of media sweetheart, and has been the recipient of favourable media coverage.

Whilst being in COPE it became obvious that many in the media were not objective in their coverage of COPE.  The media's subjective role did not assist in COPE in critically tackling the above challenges, which one maintains that by and large the media were aware of these challenges.

7. A DECISIVE END

In total, one has reached the painful conclusion that COPE is an ethnic enclave bent on deflecting the issues of the poor in favour of an elite few, determined to mouth political niceties in public like non-racialism and protection of the constitution, only as a means to ensure political significance for an undemocratic elite.
One has to therefore in all good conscience publicly announce my formal resignation from COPE, which effectively terminates both my positions as a part of the National Office Bearers Heading elections and as the Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.  Let me also express my deepest sympathies and regrets for the many people who may have joined COPE through my persuasion directly or indirectly, these include my own family members, neighbours, colleagues, friends, and business associates.  One also has to extend my appreciation to the local and international businesspersons who funded COPE, nationally and the Gauteng structure, through my intervention.  One trusts and hopes that they will empathise that my decision to leave COPE is based on a high regard of principle.
One has communicated this decision and resolve to some senior leaders and staff members of COPE.

8. THE ANC - AN OBVIOUS POLITICAL HOME FOR ALL PROGRESSIVE PEOPLE

One has also taken the liberty to inform some of the senior leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) of my decision to resign from COPE.  One deemed it appropriate and decent that one informs the ANC, especially since when joining COPE one referred to the ANC.  It is not a matter of coincidence that one resigns today from COPE.  One has deliberately chosen to resign when the Election Lists of the ANC has been finalised and confirmed and delivered to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), leaving no space for me to be included.  One reached this decision on my own volition and is based on the fundamental problems of COPE without any engagement or prompting by the ANC or its leadership.  One has applied for membership of the ANC, and trust they will accept me as a member.

One recognises that one was too hasty in both my negative characterisation of the ANC and its leadership.  It was an unfortunate conclusion reached based on the behaviour of a few regional members or public statements of the ANC.  It was incorrect for me to transpose their behaviour to the ANC as an organisation, as well as if they represented the views of the overall leadership of the ANC.  It would have been more appropriate for me to raise my misgivings with the ANC than rushing to leave the ANC.

It is also imperative for the members of the media to note that the views one expressed on behalf of SANCO at the funeral of the former President of COSATU, the late John Gomomo, wherein one indicated that one completely accepted the outcome of the 2007 Polokwane National Conference, was completely truthful.  One was never a part of a group of persons either before Polokwane or thereafter bent on undermining the outcome of Polokwane.

Clearly, one allowed certain small-minded individuals' questioning of my bona fides to get under my skin and react in a negative manner towards the ANC.  It is a decision one regrets and one has to be honest and open about it.

Notwithstanding the above, some of the criticisms one has raised about the ANC do remain.  However, believing that one could not raise these matters within the ANC was an incorrect conclusion.

The ANC as an organization has not fundamentally changed.  The space for debate in the ANC has not been fundamentally altered, and one remains committed to raise these matters in the ANC.  In reality, these issues of criticism remain central and important for me.  One maintains that the ANC has to tackle and deal with these issues or rather perceptions that are divisive and hostile towards those who expressed a different view towards the Polokwane ANC national conference.  These concerns of mine remain. However, one confidently believes that the ANC has the capability and will to debate and discuss these matters in a manner beneficial to South Africa and South Africans.  My mistake was to incorrectly believe there was no space for me to raise these matters because of who I supported in the Polokwane Conference.  Moreover the ANC has shown that it is not bent on removing those who may hold different views to the mainstream one.

9. CONCLUDING REMARKS

Finally, in Rudyard Kipling's seminal poem If, there is a passage that is, indeed, quite apt:

"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken, Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools.  Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop and build 'em with worn-out tools".

Kipling's advice is for one to have the courage of one's convictions.  One trusts that you will recognise that my statements are neither a matter of self-flagellation or political manoeuvre, rather it is a completely honest decision based on adherence to principle, conscience and my convictions.

Issued by the African National Congress, March 26 2009

Click here to sign up to our free daily headline email service