'The ANC is like God' - says party top brass
The ANC is like God. We put principles and guidelines into place and we expect our members and others to follow it. We gave Mbeki a long time. As a loyal member of the ANC, he eventually obliged
- ANC North Coast Regional Chairperson - Bheki Ntuli
What has happened is a result of a one party state and serves as a lesson to us all that a country cannot run smoothly with a two third majority. We need to protect our citizens so that we are not threatened
- uMhlathuze IFP Chairperson - Cllr Sandile Myeni
President Thabo Mbeki's forced resignation had nothing to do with the interests of the people of South Africa
- Chairman of the DA iNkwazi Constituency - Cllr Louis Fourie
This is disastrous for this country and its people but a benefit for the smaller political parties if this prevents the ANC from gaining a two third majority
- uMhlathuze FF Councillor - Casper Calitz
Ronelle Ramsamy
OUTGOING President Thabo Mbeki was given a 'long time' before the decision to recall him from his post was eventually instituted.
That's the view of the ANC North Coast region following the ruling party's historic move on Saturday, which saw Mbeki obliging to the National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution and tendering his resignation.
'It didn't matter whether Mbeki only had a few months to complete his term of office. We don't care about it,' remarked ANC North Coast Regional Chairperson, Bheki Ntuli, on Tuesday.
The local ANC head said the NEC had a stipulated disciplinary code of conduct and if any member showed non-compliance in terms of party policy, they would be recalled immediately.
'If any member, including myself, brings our organisation into disrepute, the ANC NEC can recall him/her immediately. The ANC is like God. We put principles and guidelines into place and we expect our members and others to follow it. We gave Mbeki a long time. As a loyal member of the ANC, he eventually obliged.'
Party response
But the bold political paradigm shift has certainly not gone down well with other local political parties.
The Inkatha Freedom Party said the decision to remove Mbeki from office represented the biggest challenge to South Africa since apartheid.
'While we must respect that the leadership of the ANC is a private matter for the ruling party and the change has taken place within the ambit of the Constitution, the decision of the ANC obviously has serious ramifications for the country's political, economic stability and statecraft,' said IFP President, Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The Democratic Alliance said Mbeki's forced resignation was clearly motivated by the ANC's aim to find a solution for ANC President Jacob Zuma's legal problems.
'By replacing Mbeki, the way will be opened for them to ensure that he does not have to face a court of law to answer to the 783 allegations of corruption against him. If Zuma is put above the law it will do more to undermine the Constitution than anything else.
'The incoming President must make a commitment that he/she will not interfere with the NPA's decision to appeal or any further efforts by the NPA to prosecute Zuma,' said Chairman of the DA iNkwazi Constituency, Councillor Louis Fourie.
Motion
Meanwhile the Freedom Front Plus told the Zululand Observer the decision to recall Mbeki was based on incidental remarks by Judge Nicholson.
The party formally made an objection in parliament, requesting the ANC to explain its decision and grant Mbeki an opportunity to give the National Assembly his side of the story.
However, MPs on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted against the motion by 299 votes to 10.
'It is unthinkable that government expects citizens to abide by the ground rules of justice in their everyday lives, yet Parliament is not willing to allow their President the same,' added FF Chief Whip, Dr Corné Mulder.
President
Parliament is widely expected to choose ANC deputy leader, Kgalema Motlanthe, as president on Thursday after the ANC nominates him from the floor.
Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, officially resigned on Tuesday following resignations by the Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad and Science & Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena.
The Zululand Chamber of Commerce said the resignation of President Mbeki came as no shock to the business fraternity.
'The ANC has given an assurance on Monday that his departure would not translate into any major changes in macroeconomic policy. We trust the new leadership for the country will be speedily resolved so as to minimise the uncertainty that might surround the transition. We wish president Mbeki well for the future and look forward to the new President,' said the ZCCI President, Phiwo Thango.
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