Q&A with ANC stalwart Mavuso Msimang
The ANC rejected a call by veterans for a separate consultative conference, and the veterans have rejected the party’s offer of a slot at this month’s policy conference. Chris Barron asked stalwart Mavuso Msimang . . .
Are you still planning a consultative conference?
Yes. It's essential that we have this discussion.
Is there any point without the participation of the leadership?
It would have been preferable for them to be involved, but if they're not interested we'll just have to go ahead without them.
When?
In September.
How can you fix the ANC without the leadership?
We will still put [the results] to them.
What's the point if they're not interested?
I do not think we'll have this leadership forever.
Are you calling for them to be removed?
We believe the current leadership has failed completely to keep the ANC on course.
Are you calling for them to step down?
We have said that the president must step down. That would be the first step.
Do you see hope of this in the Constitutional Court's ruling on a secret ballot?
If I were the speaker, I would conduct the no-confidence vote through a secret ballot.
Are you confident that ANC MPs would then support the motion?
To be honest, because of the implications of the whole of this government having to resign, I suspect many of them will not vote for his removal.
How damaging will it be for the ANC if they vote against his removal?
It will be extremely, extremely humbling for the ANC and its prospects of remaining in government.
You think it might lose the 2019 elections?
It will not win the elections. That is my prediction for 2019.
Does the ANC you're fighting for still exist in anything but name?
The ANC ideals are very much alive.
Does it exist as a ruling party?
Well, de facto it is ruling.
Hasn't it abdicated that role to the Guptas?
I accept completely that the Gupta phenomenon has overthrown the ANC that we used to know.
So it no longer exists?
The ANC that was elected to run this country has abdicated to the Guptas. That I agree...
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