Factionalism within ANC negatively affecting Chapter Nine institutions: Godi

The African People’s Convention (APC) leader Themba Godi says factionalism in the African National Congress (ANC) is negatively affecting the functions of important Chapter Nine institutions such as the office of the Public Protector.

Godi says President Cyril Ramaphosa has been quick to serve Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane with a letter requesting her to provide reasons why he must not suspend her.

Parliament goes ahead with impeachment proceedings against Mkhwebane:

Speaking at the APC’s conference in Giyani, Limpopo, on Saturday, Godi said this was a clear indication that Mkhwebane was no longer wanted.

“We must avoid the South Sudan situation, where the crises in the ruling party become a national crisis.  The ANC has its own factional battles, and they are now drawing state institutions into this fight. A chapter nine institution is a very critical institution to safeguard our democracy, and it is unfortunate that Advocate Mkhwebane finds herself caught in this fight,” explained Godi.

Legal analyst Sinawo Makangela on Mkhwebane’s possible suspension:

Meanwhile, Mkhwebane has reiterated her Thursday night statement, saying she was not even informed by the Speaker of the National Assembly about the decision to start the impeachment process against her.

She has however confirmed receiving a letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide him with reasons within 10 days, not to suspend her.

APC elective congress

The African People’s Convention is currently holding its third elective congress at the Letaba TVET College in Giyani, in Limpopo.

Scores of people from various branches across the country are set to elect the new party leadership. Party president Themba Godi is expected to be re-elected as he is running uncontested.

Godi says the conference will also discuss the party’s program for the next five years.

“We are very happy to be here and were are very happy that everything seems to be going smoothly accordingly. As you can see our comrades from all the provinces, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, everybody is here and they are all looking forward to this congress, especially, in terms of working out the programs for the party for the next five years, electing new leaders, because our term ends this weekend, so yes everything is in place.”

-Reporting by Lutendo Bobodi