The ANC's WhatsApp group, a supposed haven for comrades to strategize and strategize, has become a battleground for ideological clashes, with firebrand ANC leader Andile Lungisa leading the charge against the DA's inclusion in the government of national unity (GNU).
The drama unfolded last week when Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu posted an article alleging that President Cyril Ramaphosa had backtracked on an offer to the DA, leading to the blue party threatening to pull out of the GNU.
Screenshots of the ANC's "Official NEC 2022–2027" Whatsapp group, obtained by Celeb Gossip News, reveal the intense altercation that took place. Zulu's post stating, "We agreed we would engage everyone. I'm happy they are behaving this way. True colours, nothing new…" triggered Lungisa's response: "We said no to the DA."
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, known for her calm demeanor, attempted to fact-check Lungisa, reminding him that the NEC had approved the GNU as "inclusive of everyone, including the DA and everybody else willing to work with the ANC."
But Lungisa was unyielding, his words echoing through the virtual corridors of the ANC WhatsApp group. "We said no to the DA; some of us know the history of our movement, including the character of the movement. Please, in your hallucinations, don’t ever include some of us in anything that has to do with the DA," he thundered. "We never joined the liberation struggle or movement late in our lives. Comrades must be sensitive to the history of our struggle, please. Celebrate the DA without including our names on it."
Lungisa's fiery rhetoric, laced with accusations of "hallucinations" and "careerism," triggered a wave of concern among his fellow NEC members. Human Settlements Minister Mamoloko Kubayi, attempting to restore order, chided Lungisa for his disrespectful tone.
"I do think there is a need for mutual respect and decorum. It’s not correct to say Mme Angie is hallucinating," Kubayi said, attempting to mediate the escalating tension.
But Lungisa remained unmoved, his resolve unwavering. "Please, people must never and ever include some of us in anything that has to do with the DA. We will never be ideologically and culturally captured," he declared, drawing a clear "red line" against any collaboration with the DA.
Kubayi, sensing the escalating situation, tried to rein Lungisa in, warning, "This is wrong; honestly, you can’t disrespect anyone like this, especially a fellow NEC member. You can have your dissenting views, which we have always respected, but also show the same respect to others. You have no monopoly on being correct and upright."
She further warned that the group might be converted to a "listening and announcement group" if the decorum wasn't restored.
Lungisa, however, remained defiant, reiterating his stance against the DA. "If I’m correct politically, I have no problem with that; you can challenge my views. I will always be guided by service to our people and not by expedience and careerism. We have no business with the DA. DA is the red line."
The tension within the group continued to simmer, with other NEC members, including Nonceba Mhlauli and Mdu Manana, attempting to reason with Lungisa.
Manana, known for his outspoken nature, accused Lungisa of being a bully. "This has nothing to do with the DA, it is your tone that is sickening. By the way, as an African child that you always claim to be, you have a responsibility to show respect to every elder, including those elders who belong to the DA," Manana wrote.
Lungisa vehemently denied insulting anyone and reiterated his unwavering stance against the DA, stating, "No one must associate us with the DA."
The debate eventually reached a boiling point, prompting the group administrator to lock comments and restrict messages to "admins" only.
The ANC's WhatsApp group, once a platform for unity and collaboration, has become a battleground for ideological clashes, exposing the deep divisions within the party. Lungisa's fiery rhetoric, while drawing criticism from some, reflects the deep-seated reservations within the ANC regarding the inclusion of the DA in the GNU.
The heated exchange serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the ANC as it navigates the formation of a government of national unity.
