Police Minister Bheki Cele has joined a growing list of African National Congress (ANC) officials who are openly criticizing former president Jacob Zuma as the rift between the ruling party and its former leader deepens.
Zuma’s recent announcement of his support for the newly registered uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has left ANC leaders in a conundrum. He stated that he will not campaign for the ANC in the upcoming 2024 general elections, a decision that has been met with fierce criticism from some ANC officials.
During an event at the Pinetown Civic Centre in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this week, Cele expressed his displeasure over Zuma’s decision to distance himself from the party, despite his years of service as an ANC leader.
Cele emphasized that no individual should believe they are “above the ANC” or that they are loved more than the party itself. He reminded ANC delegates that nobody owns the organization and that the party’s support had been unwavering throughout Zuma’s political journey.
Cele criticized Zuma for viewing himself as the “Samson” of the ANC and questioned his ingratitude, considering the perks and privileges he has enjoyed as a former president.
The police minister highlighted that Zuma receives an annual salary of R3 million, rides in state vehicles with special forces protection, and has a larger convoy than any other president.
Cele further threatens to expose Zuma’s secrets, revealing that Zuma was his commander during exile and that he knows things that Zuma may not want to be revealed.
Addressing ANC members, Cele emphasized the importance of protecting the ruling party and not prioritizing the interests of any individual over the ANC.
He urged his comrades to remain focused on the upcoming elections, stating that there would be no South Africa without the ANC. Cele warned against being distracted by Zuma’s actions and called on the party to let him go, asserting that nobody would leave the ANC.
The deepening rift between the ANC and Zuma has raised questions about the future of the party and its leadership.
While it remains uncertain whether the ANC leadership will reprimand or engage with Zuma to change his mind, the criticism from prominent figures within the party reflects the internal divisions and challenges it currently faces.
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As the ANC prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial for the party to remain united and focused on its mission to improve the lives of the people of South Africa.
The ANC has played a significant role in the country’s political landscape and continues to be the oxygen of politics in South Africa. The party must not allow itself to be distracted by internal conflicts but should instead concentrate on its responsibility to govern and lead the nation.
Watch Video below:
BHEKI CELE
ANC members must not be distracted by Zuma who wants to go die with them.
Let’s bury him & go home to clean our shovels. He is done
Allow Zuma to go. Don’t beg him to live with you.
What more does he want! There is nothing the ANC hasn’t given him. All available… pic.twitter.com/FYSEPVZpuH
— Constitution First 🇿🇦 (@Constitution_94) January 19, 2024
