A Call for Clean Governance: Restoring Integrity in the ANC

By Mpho Dube

The African National Congress (ANC) is at a crossroads, facing challenges that threaten its integrity and ability to govern effectively. The party's loss of majority in the previous national elections has forced it to form a Government of National Unity, presenting an opportunity for reflection and renewal.

As the ANC navigates this new landscape, it must prioritize clean governance and discipline its members to uphold the party's values and principles.

Clean governance is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the people. When leaders prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people, the party suffers. As Steve Bantu Biko once said, "It is better to die for an idea that will live than to live for an idea that will die." This quote encapsulates the importance of standing by one's principles, even in the face of adversity.

The ANC must promote a culture of rotation and renewal, allowing new leaders to emerge and bring fresh perspectives. This will help prevent the concentration of power and promote accountability. As Nelson Mandela said, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination." Leaders with integrity and a strong sense of purpose can inspire their members and promote positive change.

Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of society. When leaders engage in corrupt practices, they undermine the party's integrity and compromise its ability to govern effectively. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Similarly, the ANC's leaders are a gift to the party, and they must use their positions to serve the people, not just their own interests.

Discipline is essential for maintaining the party's integrity and promoting good governance. The ANC should ensure that its leaders are consummate professionals who understand their role and responsibilities. Leaders who engage in corrupt practices or abuse their power should be removed from their positions. As Oliver Tambo said, "The ANC is a disciplined organization, and we must always be mindful of our actions and their impact on the party and the people."

The ANC's future depends on its ability to promote clean governance and discipline its members. The party must prioritize accountability, transparency, and selflessness among its leaders and promote a culture of rotation and renewal. By doing so, the ANC can restore its integrity and promote good governance, ensuring a brighter future for the party and the country. As Thabo Mbeki said, "We must be the change we want to see in the world." The ANC must lead by example, demonstrating its commitment to clean governance and accountability.

The ANC is at a critical juncture, facing challenges that threaten its integrity and ability to govern effectively. By prioritizing clean governance, discipline, and accountability, the party can restore its integrity and promote good governance. As the ANC navigates this new landscape, it must remember the words of Steve Bantu Biko: "It is better to die for an idea that will live than to live for an idea that will die." The party's future depends on its ability to stand by its principles and promote positive change.

In conclusion, the ANC must take a hard look at its values and principles and ensure that its leaders are held accountable for their actions. By promoting clean governance, discipline, and accountability, the party can restore its integrity and promote good governance. The ANC's future is in its own hands, and it must take the necessary steps to ensure a brighter future for the party and the country.

As the ANC moves forward, it must prioritize the needs of the people and ensure that its leaders are serving the public interest. By doing so, the party can rebuild trust and confidence and promote a better future for all South Africans. The ANC's commitment to clean governance and accountability will be crucial in determining its future and the future of the country.

The party's leaders must also learn to relinquish power and refrain from being tyrannical. The ANC should promote a culture of rotation and renewal, allowing new leaders to emerge and bring fresh perspectives. This will help prevent the concentration of power and promote accountability.

Ultimately, the ANC's future depends on its ability to promote clean governance and discipline its members. The party must prioritize accountability, transparency, and selflessness among its leaders and promote a culture of rotation and renewal. By doing so, the ANC can restore its integrity and promote good governance, ensuring a brighter future for the party and the country.

 Mpho Dube is The Editor in Chief, Founder and Publisher of The Azanian online national and international publication. He also won three national awards for The Caxton/The Citizen. He was also endorsed to serve at the Pan African Parliament (PAP).