Key Takeaways:
- Jeffrey Thamsanqa Mnisi, a uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) commander, has endorsed Deputy President Paul Mashatile to become the next president of the ANC and the country.
- The endorsement has been met with criticism from the MK Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), who have distanced themselves from the statement and accused Mnisi of misusing the name of uMkhonto weSizwe for personal agendas.
- The MKLWV has warned against exploiting the name of Mashatile and other leaders for factional battles and has called for respect for the ANC’s due processes.
- The organisation has also expressed concern over the misappropriation of its heritage and liberation symbols by certain political entities.
- The MKLWV has referred the matter to the ANC national disciplinary committee for appropriate action and has urged genuine cadres to focus on the national general council and organisational renewal.
Introduction to the Controversy
The uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) commander, Jeffrey Thamsanqa Mnisi, has sparked controversy after endorsing Deputy President Paul Mashatile to become the next president of the ANC and the country. Mnisi, also known as Commander BA, issued a statement under the banner of "Ex-MK Veterans", citing Mashatile’s impeccable struggle credentials, political maturity, and a tested record of leadership. However, the endorsement has been met with criticism from the MK Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV), who have distanced themselves from the statement and accused Mnisi of misusing the name of uMkhonto weSizwe for personal agendas.
The MKLWV’s Response
The MKLWV has warned against exploiting the name of Mashatile and other leaders for factional battles. In a statement, the organisation’s spokesperson, Dan Hatto, expressed "firm concern and absolute disapproval" of the post, describing it as a "mischievous" act that misuses the name of uMkhonto weSizwe for personal agendas. The MKLWV has also accused Mnisi of violating ANC process while pretending to speak for veterans. The organisation has reiterated its mandate to protect the integrity of the ANC and the legacy of uMkhonto we Sizwe, rather than engaging in "factional theatre on social media".
The Issue of Leadership Succession
The controversy surrounding Mnisi’s endorsement highlights the issue of leadership succession within the ANC. The ANC national executive committee (NEC) has repeatedly instructed that no individual or structure may pronounce on leadership succession until the process is officially opened by the organisation. However, it appears that some individuals and groups are already jockeying for position and seeking to influence the outcome of the leadership contest. The MKLWV has warned against such behaviour, stating that it undermines organisational discipline and inflames factional tensions at a time when unity is paramount.
The Misappropriation of Heritage and Liberation Symbols
The MKLWV has also expressed concern over the misappropriation of its heritage and liberation symbols by certain political entities. The organisation has pointed to the recent MKMVA conference, an entity disbanded by the ANC, and noted that this association continues to enjoy government funding despite its disbandment. The MKLWV has also accused the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) of hijacking the MKMVA’s ‘killer man symbol’, an issue currently being pursued in court by Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general. The organisation has warned that such behaviour undermines the integrity of the ANC and the legacy of uMkhonto we Sizwe.
The Way Forward
The MKLWV has called on all comrades, veterans, activists, and members across ANC structures to respect the organisation’s due processes and refrain from circulating divisive and unauthorised statements. The organisation has urged genuine cadres to focus their efforts on the national general council, which it describes as a "critical platform for reviewing the 55th National Conference resolutions and accelerating the ANC’s organisational renewal". The MKLWV has also referred the matter to the ANC national disciplinary committee for appropriate action, stating that the ANC has clear rules governing political conduct, and those who defy them must be held accountable.