Naledi Pandor Slams ANC saying "We've Lost Our Glory, People View Us with Disdain."

ANC seasoned and veteran Naledi Pandor.

Veteran ANC leader Naledi Pandor has delivered a scathing critique of the African National Congress, stating that the party has lost its glory and is now viewed by South Africans with "disdain," "horror," and "shame".

Speaking at the centenary celebration of former ANC Women's League president Gertrude Shope, Pandor emphasized that the party's decline can be attributed to its failure to serve the people.

The ANC, once a beacon of hope and freedom in South Africa, has been struggling to deal with the cold winds of disapproval. According to Pandor, the party's leadership has become increasingly disconnected from the people, prioritizing ideological posturing over meaningful action. This sentiment echoes the views of many South Africans who feel the ANC has strayed from its founding principles.

Pandor's comments come amid concerns about the ANC's declining popularity and the need for the party to regain the trust of South Africans. In recent months, the party has faced significant challenges, including losing 71 seats in the recent election, which has led to speculation about the future of several ministers.

The ANC's decline has been attributed to various factors, including poor leadership, corruption, and a disconnect from the people it serves.

To restore its lost glory, the ANC needs leaders who are selfless, dedicated, and accountable to the people.

Pandor stressed the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and ensuring that they serve the people, rather than their own interests. By doing so, the party can begin to rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to serving the people.

The ANC's decline serves as a reminder that liberation movements must continually adapt and prioritize the needs of their people. As Pandor noted, "We have forgotten that we exist to serve the people, that we exist for the people." By refocusing on its core values and principles, the ANC can potentially restore its lost glory and continue to play a meaningful role in South African politics.

However, the party's recent diplomatic efforts have raised concerns about its commitment to democratic values. Critics argue that the ANC has taken an ill-considered position in its foreign policy, particularly in its relations with authoritarian regimes.

For instance, Naledi Pandor's visit to Iran and her phone call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh have sparked controversy, with some viewing these actions as inconsistent with the party's supposed values.

Moreover, the ANC's friendship with authoritarians has been accompanied by limp enthusiasm for promoting democracy, whether in neighboring Zimbabwe or further afield in Africa. This selective approach to human rights has damaged the party's reputation and eroded its moral authority.

In the face of these challenges, the ANC must navigate a complex diplomatic landscape. The party's relationship with Western countries, particularly the US, has become increasingly strained. A bill currently before the US House of Representatives aims to curtail South Africa's trade privileges due to its foreign relations misadventures.

This development highlights the need for the ANC to reassess its diplomatic priorities and adopt a more nuanced approach to international relations.

Ultimately, the ANC's fate hangs in the balance. Will the party be able to reclaim its former glory, or will it continue to decline? Only time will tell.

As Pandor's comments suggest, the party's future depends on its ability to reconnect with the people and prioritize their needs. By doing so, the ANC can potentially restore its lost glory and continue to play a meaningful role in South African politics.