Divisive songs at the ANC’s 55th national conference have rubbed the party’s veterans up the wrong way.
This as battle lines were drawn between warring conference delegates who sang pro-Cyril Ramaphosa and pro-Zweli Mkhize songs.
Singing over each other, Ramaphosa supporters trotted out “Ramaphosa re mo rata kaofela, re tsamaya le wena [We all love Ramaphosa, we will do walk this journey with him]”, while Mkhize supporters sang “asinalo uvalo ngalento siyenzayo [We have no fear in what we are doing]”.
The ANC Veterans League warned against this “misconduct”, saying the songs pitted individuals against each other
Ramaphosa and Mkhize went head to head in a bruising battle for the party’s top position, with Ramaphosa emerging victorious with national officials mostly aligned to him.
Veterans League convener Snuki Zikalala said the songs did not help to unite the ANC.
“On behalf of ANC veterans present, we want to express our deep concern regarding the conduct and behaviour of conference delegates. In particular, we feel dismayed by the songs that pit comrades against one another and behaviour that interrupts the smooth running of the conference.”
He said historically songs honoured leaders, but a foreign culture had emerged and delegates now composed songs to provoke the opposition.
“We have a long, proud history of singing liberation songs to honour our leaders and the sacrifices they made to attain our freedom as we continue to express our yearning for freedom and a better life for all. We would wish to see that culture continue to thrive as part of uniting and renewing our movement,” said Zikalala.
We have witnessed delegates singing songs that demean this tradition, promote hostility between individual comrades and disunity amongst us. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not set a good example for younger delegates
— Snuki Zikalala, ANC Veterans League convener
“However, we have witnessed delegates singing songs that demean this tradition, promote hostility between individual comrades and disunity among us. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not set a good example for younger delegates who are attending conference for the first time. This is soiling our reputation in society.”
Zikalala congratulated the newly elected ANC leadership led by Ramaphosa, who cruised to a second term.
He was joined by deputy president Paul Mashatile, national chair Gwede Mantashe, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, second deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramokgopa and treasurer-general Gwen Ramaphosa.
Zikalala said the election of three women to national leadership was a significant moment in the party's history.
“The top seven reflects a combination of continuity and change. The intergenerational mix should hold them in good stead as they tackle the challenges ahead. The Veterans League stands ready to support the incoming leadership.”
It must hit the ground running to restore public confidence in the ANC, he said, adding that it must focus on inequality, poverty, unemployment and corruption.
“We have witnessed in the 55th national conference incidents of ill-discipline, lack of respect and tolerance. This undermines the credibility of the ANC in the eyes of the public. We look forward to conference concluding its business in a manner that takes our country forward.”
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