If individuals with a checkered past and who have been publicly outed and shamed for their dastardly deeds are shunned by society, then within the ANC they find refuge and even thrive to new heights.
Political commentator Justice Malala writes that thieves and fraudsters flourish within the governing party and names three of its most well-known and senior members as examples–Bathabile Dlamini, Zweil Mkhize and Lindiwe Sisulu.
Malala cites examples where each have had brushes with the law or scandals brewing around them and given how other party leaders have had meteoric rises in the past, the trip must consider their prospects for party advancement to be good.
In the case of Dlamini, she has recently been found guilty of perjury (a serious offence) but has not resigned from her position as ANC Women’s League president nor has there been any clamouring from senior party leaders for her to step down.
Mkhize spent much of last year embroiled in the Digital Vibes saga that saw an irregular tender worth R150 million awarded to the firm while Mkhize was minister of health. Mkhize’s close associates benefited from the deal while his son, Dedani, is said to have also profited.
Yet Mkhize is eyeing an ANC presidential run at the elective conference later this year and should he win, he’ll set his sights on becoming the country’s president in the 2024 elections.
And in June last year, the ANC disbanded the MK Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), a structure that does not exist in the ANC constitution, and recognised the SA Defence Force as the only lawful military force in the country.
So why did Sisulu, another ANC presidential hopeful, attend an MKMVA military parade over the last weekend? Does she not respect the ANC leadership’s decision asks Malala?
Clearly, you can be a bad apple and still find a prime spot in the proverbial ANC fruit basket.
Here’s a roundup of interesting opinions, analyses, and editorials:
The incoherent and illogical new government Covid-19 regulations are the real state of disaster – Daily Maverick
SA’s gathering restrictions eased, but showdown over State of Disaster looms – Daily Maverick
‘Supporters will start asking questions’ – analyst on Makhosi Khoza leaving ActionSA – News24 (for subscribers)
Valli Moosa | My vote must actually count – News24
EDITORIAL: After Mkhwebane, how about the rest? – Financial Mail
TONY LEON | By thumbing our nose at the West, things can only go south – Sunday Times Daily (for subscribers)
SAA has become a joke, thanks to inept and corrupt people in charge – The Citizen (for subscribers)
