Trouble in ANC paradise: Senzo Mchunu and Gigaba to face the fire

by Nomonde Simelane

The African National Congress (ANC) has publicly condemned suspended minister Senzo Mchunu and Malusi Gigaba for making damaging statements about the organisation. 

The ANC has previously stood as more than just a political party, but rather a beacon of hope for many South Africans, who had dreams of a bright, democratic South Africa.

However, after more than 30 years of democracy, it seems to have slowly become the face of failure for some citizens, as South Africa’s black, poor, and middle classes find themselves in a similar position that they were in before democracy; economically crippled and excluded.

The results of the 2024 general elections saw the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), after the ANC failed to secure the majority vote. This GNU includes organisations such as ANC, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the Democratic Alliance (DA).

These results sparked conversations of an inevitable downfall for the former ruling party, where citizens express their growing frustrations. Some citizens revealed that the ANC’s failure to cater to their needs resulted in an urgent need to have them out of power as soon as possible, as the party has stopped acting in the best interests of the people it is meant to be serving.

These calls intensified after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi held a media briefing where he made explosive allegations against some notable officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

Recently, Senzo Mchunu, as well as Malusi Gigaba, who serves as a member of Parliament for the ANC, confirmed the public’s suspicions when they came out to publicly criticise their organisation.

During the tombstone unveiling of late struggle stalwart Nokuhamba Nyawo, Senzo Mchunu compared the current state of the ANC to a person walking on the edge of a cliff, and needs to regroup before next year’s local elections.

“If we do not win municipalities in the upcoming local government elections next year, come the national government elections, we will be history,” he said

On the other hand, during an interview with Sunday Times, Malusi Gigaba revealed that he believes that the ANC’s national executive committee had failed to meet its objectives.

In response, the ANC has issued a statement condemning Senzo and Malusi for acting outside of communications protocol. Furthermore, the party revealed that they will be taking the necessary disciplinary actions against the two,  citing that their recent statements are damaging to the organisation’s reputation.

Also see: Santaco dismisses passenger ban claims as false