News
ANC Disciplinary Action: Gigaba and Mchunu Face Charges
The African National Congress (ANC) is moving to discipline two of its senior figures, Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu, after their critical remarks about the party’s performance and direction. The move has sparked sharp debate about whether dissenting voices are being silenced inside South Africa’s ruling party.
The ANC’s stance
In a statement issued by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, the ANC accused the pair of undermining party unity and credibility. He said their comments amounted to a “deliberate decampaigning of the ANC” and played into the hands of political opponents.
“These comrades acted outside of any sanctioned organisational mandate, portraying the ANC as divided and collapsing. No disciplined member would embolden forces that seek to reverse the gains of our revolution,” Mbalula said.
Analysts see a purge
Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast called the disciplinary process “unnecessary” and suggested it looked more like a purge than an exercise in accountability.
“Normally, members are invited to explain themselves. Going straight to disciplinary charges does not make sense. It looks like people with diverging views are being pushed out, which benefits rival parties like MK,” he explained.
Breakfast also argued that the ANC cannot afford denialism. “It is no secret that the party has dropped the ball in past elections. Punishing critics will not fix that weakness,” he added.
Internal democracy at risk?
The ANC has long described itself as a broad church, open to diverse opinions. Yet the treatment of Gigaba and Mchunu raises questions about whether that ethos still applies when criticism touches on the party’s survival. Critics warn that silencing senior members may deepen public mistrust rather than restore unity.
Mchunu under further scrutiny
Adding to the tension, Senzo Mchunu is still under investigation after KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused him of interfering in police investigations in July. Though he remains an ANC MP, his former role as police minister has already been handed to Firoz Cachalia pending the probe.
Why it matters
With the ANC under pressure ahead of the 2026 local elections, how it treats dissenting voices could shape its future. For supporters and critics alike, the issue is about more than two individuals. It is about whether the ANC can tolerate self-reflection while still holding on to power.
Breakfast’s conclusion was blunt: “This is unnecessary, illogical, and irrational. The ANC is not doing itself any favours.”
Also read: Rand Rigging Returns: South Africa’s Banks Face Their Day in Court
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: News24
