Julius Malema 's case has exposed the ANC's weakness, paranoia, lack of leadership and intolerance.

This case that has been subjected to an infinite number of appeals has resulted in the party splitting into smaller factions.

Despite the ANC's tenacious denial that the organisation is in trouble and the existence of factions, one observes that three kinds of groups exist:

• The disgruntled members, who feel that they have become a voting commodity for the party and feel neglected by the ANC leadership; some have since turned into common criminals without moral virtues;

• The looters who benefit from the party through their connections and partisanship suffer from delusions of grandeur and are arrogant and believe they are above the law; and

• The moralists - these are the true ANC members who understand the constitution of the party and who want the best for the country.

However, the latter do not have much support within the party as they are seen to be carrying a whip with which to beat the members who are trying to enrich themselves.

They get defeated at branch level, thus the integrity, moral values and discipline they try to portray are all in vain due to their small number.

This is an opportune time for opposition parties such as the DA to start making inroads into ANC strongholds in order to appear relevant, especially to the black communities.

Some staunch ANC supporters, discouraged by the current trends and poor leadership, hope to see the ANC lose the next national elections to the DA.

Two reasons for such aspirations: the DA will get the state's house in order in fear of losing in the next elections and the ANC will rebuild itself and get rid of corrupt members to regain the country's confidence.

The ANC needs to know integrity, reputation and good leadership are achieved through transparency, responsibility, accountability and upholding moral values.

Soon the tribal issue will be raising its ugly head if the party continues to pretend there are no problems.