Durban – Former KwaZulu-Natal Premier and prominent South African Communist Party (SACP) leader, Willies Mchunu, has resigned from the African National Congress (ANC), leaving behind a legacy of outspoken criticism and a future shrouded in speculation. His resignation, announced on Friday, has sparked considerable debate within political circles.
Mchunu, in an interview with the Sunday Tribune, clarified that while he currently feels like a "political orphan," he is not rushing into any immediate alliance with another party. He explicitly denied rumours linking him to the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), led by former President Jacob Zuma, a close friend.
"Right now, I feel like a political orphan, and will weigh my options before taking any decision. But to say that there is a political party that I am planning on joining, or MK Party for that matter, is not true. I simply want to take my time to get a perspective on the circumstances,” he explained.
He did, however, leave the door open to potential engagement with other former leaders, including former KZN Premiers S’bu Ndebele and Zweli Mkhize. This suggestion was initially made by Thanduxolo Sabelo, the provincial ANC Youth League Secretary, who took to social media to express regret over Mchunu’s departure and to urge ANC veterans to intervene.
Mchunu responded, stating, “I am not hostile to the idea. The thing with politics is just like in life you may give up because of the circumstances that are before you only for someone else to come and provide you with another perspective, thereby enabling you to see matters differently and then your decision is altered.”
He stressed that his decision was carefully considered: “But it is important to point out that this was not an irrationally taken decision – a great deal of thought was given before coming to it.”
Mchunu's resignation letter, addressed to the secretary of ANC Ward 33 Branch in Glenmore, detailed his reasons for leaving the party. He cited feeling increasingly isolated and undervalued within the ANC, struggling to express his views freely. He also expressed deep disillusionment with the party's direction.
“To be honest, I have discovered with horror that I have lost hope in the ANC’S commitment and ability to pursue the National Democratic Revolution in the interest of the working class and the poor. This hopelessness, in my view, is neither good for me or the ANC. It makes me see myself as a destructive member rather than a member dedicated to the strengthening of the ANC. I have also concluded that I’m also no longer valued by some of my comrades,” he wrote.
He openly acknowledged the potential backlash, stating that he anticipated criticism and even insults, a common occurrence for those expressing dissenting opinions within the ANC.
“Painful as it will be, I am sure it will be much better than the pain I feel at the moment,” he said.
He also hinted at his future political involvement, writing, “I am also confident that, even though I leave the ANC, our paths are bound to cross in the political terrain.”
The ANC KZN spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele, confirmed receipt of Mchunu's resignation, but stated that the party would not be issuing a further statement.
Political analysts have offered various interpretations of Mchunu's departure. Siyabonga Ntombela, a University of KwaZulu-Natal political analyst, suggested that Mchunu's long-standing friendship with Jacob Zuma and his consistent defence of the former president might have contributed to his alienation within the ANC.
He also pointed to Mchunu's outspoken criticism of the Government of National Unity, stating that this may have further strained his relationships within the party.
“The fact is in expressing my reservations about the Government of National Unity there are comrades with whom I became unpopular, but when one reaches a point at which one senses unpleasantness then it is time to introspect,” Mchunu himself admitted.
Ntombela predicted that Mchunu's move could significantly benefit the MKP, adding a layer of respectability given Mchunu's established profile within both the ANC and SACP.
“It will not be surprising to see him emerging within the MK Party ranks, given his history with Zuma and how he has defended him over the years,” Ntombela stated.
Mchunu's resignation marks a significant development in KwaZulu-Natal politics, leaving many to speculate on his future role and the potential impact on the broader political landscape. His decision, born from disillusionment and a sense of being undervalued, signals a potential shift in the province's political dynamics, and the coming months will undoubtedly reveal the next chapter in his political career.
The silence from the ANC leadership, coupled with the speculation surrounding his potential alignment with the MKP, heightens the anticipation surrounding his future actions.
The reasons outlined in his resignation letter paint a picture of a politician increasingly at odds with his former party, highlighting the internal tensions and ideological differences that continue to shape the South African political landscape.
