ANC'S HOUSE IS ON FIRE: INTERNAL DIVISIONS THREATEN TO CONSUME THE PARTY

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

The African National Congress (ANC) is reeling from internal divisions that threaten to consume the party, with factions vying for power and influence. Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's triumphant victory over US President Donald Trump at the G20 Summit, the ANC's internal strife shows no signs of abating.

The enemy, it seems, is themselves, as they've lost sight of the party's greater good amidst personal power struggles and benefits. It's disingenuous to blame the media for publishing bunkum and rumors orchestrated by the very same NEC members. The fact is, President Ramaphosa angered this other faction by not removing Senzo Mchunu, and that's been a ticking time bomb.

Mchunu, the Police Minister, is under investigation for alleged corruption and cronyism, with critics accusing him of protecting criminals and undermining the rule of law. Ramaphosa's decision to dismiss certain comrades and demote others has only added fuel to the fire, creating a recipe for calamity.

So, why did Ramaphosa panic recently when he responded to the so-called rumors? He said, "Name, date, and time if you want to eject or remove him," which suggests the tension is too deep. He's protected by those who want blue lights and protectors, and that's a fact. You can't remove CR because we have benefits, and that's the sad truth.

Gwede Mantashe, for example, is panicking because the Bosasa dark clouds are still hanging over him. He might be charged and step aside should things not go his way. It's an "Animal Farm" situation – some are holy cows, and some aren't.

Something is brewing, and the rot is too deep. Even some factions of Jacob Zuma supporters are persistent in causing more calamity. The ANC continues to lose volunteers to MKP members and small parties. The writing is on the wall: the ANC's internal divisions are a recipe for disaster.

The corruption scandal surrounding Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) has implicated Ramaphosa, Mantashe, and Mchunu, with allegations of removing black-owned security companies and replacing them with Bidvest, a company linked to Ramaphosa's CR17 campaign funds. Mantashe's wife is a business partner of Bidvest, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.

Mchunu's use of SAPS Tactical Units to intimidate and displace tribal communities from their land for RBM's benefit is a vile abuse of power. The ANC's internal divisions are not just about personalities; they're about the very soul of the party.

As the ANC's internal strife continues to simmer, one thing is clear: the party's future hangs in the balance. Will Ramaphosa be able to navigate the treacherous waters of factional politics, or will the ANC's internal divisions consume him? Only time will tell.