LESUFI RISES AS ANC'S SAVIOUR WITH RADICAL REFORM PROPOSAL

Gauteng provincial coordinator and Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

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

In a bold move that is set to shake the very foundations of the African National Congress (ANC), Gauteng provincial coordinator Panyaza Lesufi has petitioned the party's structures to adopt a one-member-one-vote system for electing its leaders.

Citing widespread corruption and manipulation in the current delegate system, Lesufi's proposal is being hailed as a radical reform that could potentially save the party from itself.

Addressing the opening of the ANC's Greater Johannesburg regional elective conference, Lesufi left no room for ambiguity, stating, "The leadership of the ANC must no longer be elected by delegates of the conference. All members of the ANC must vote for who must be president."

His call is a direct response to the growing discontent within the party, with many members feeling that the current system is ripe for abuse.

Lesufi's proposal, previously considered by the party, aims to curb factionalism, infighting, and wrangling associated with the easily manipulated delegate system. The Gauteng leader's bold stance has positioned him as a formidable force in the ANC, with many hailing him as the party's potential saviour.

"We must defend the honour of the ANC and we must all actively choose the leader of the ANC," Lesufi declared. "The people shall govern. The moment has arrived. All members must have a say." His words have struck a chord with many ANC members, who are eager for reform and desperate for a more inclusive and transparent leadership selection process.

Lesufi's proposal has sparked a heated debate, with some hailing it as a game-changer and others opposing it as a power grab. However, one thing is certain: Panyaza Lesufi has emerged as a major player in the ANC's internal politics, and his proposal is set to dominate the national general council (NGC) agenda.

The NGC, which is the party's highest decision-making body between conferences, is expected to be a crucial test of Lesufi's proposal. The Gauteng leader is lobbying for support from other provinces, and his efforts are expected to be a major focus of the gathering.

As The Azanian puts it, Lesufi is rising as a champion of democracy and transparency in the ANC. His proposal is a bold attempt to reform the party's leadership selection process and restore faith in its democratic principles. Will his proposal win the day? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Panyaza Lesufi is a force to be reckoned with in the ANC.

Lesufi's proposal is not the first attempt at reforming the ANC's leadership selection process. In 2022, several ANC leaders, including former president Thabo Mbeki, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, and former KZN chair Sihle Zikalala, advocated for the party to amend its voting system. However, Lesufi's proposal is the most comprehensive and far-reaching, and it has already sparked a national debate.

The Azanian calls on all ANC members to engage with Lesufi's proposal and participate in the debate. The future of the party is at stake, and it is up to its members to decide whether they want to continue with the status quo or embrace reform and renewal.