Naledi Pandor: ANC has lost its glory, South Africans see it with disdain and shame

ANC veteran and former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor says the ruling party has lost its glory and is now viewed by South Africans with “disdain, horror and shame.”

She made the remarks during a lecture marking the centenary celebration of former ANC Women’s League president Gertrude Shope on Sunday. Shope, a veteran activist and former MP, died in May this year. She would have turned 100 this month.

ANC decline under scrutiny

Pandor said Shope would have been proud of South Africa’s progress in education, science, innovation, and trade, but would also have been deeply troubled by corruption and weak governance.

“Ma’ Shope would have been dismayed at our faltering progress,” Pandor said.

“She knew of the corruption that has dragged down the revolutionary morality of our leaders. She was aware of our failures at local government level and of the inadequate capacity to serve, which is so prevalent in our public service.”

ANC’s values eroded

Pandor highlighted the ANC’s declining values and electoral performance, pointing to the party’s failure to reflect its founding mission.

“She was keenly aware of the decline of her beloved organisation, the African National Congress (ANC) – a decline not just in electoral outcomes but also in the party’s ability to reflect the values of leadership and commitment to serve the people,” Pandor said.

The ANC suffered a historic blow in the May 2024 elections when it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time. This forced the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with opposition parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+).

Call for women to reclaim leadership

Pandor urged women in the ANC to reclaim the party’s historic mission and restore its credibility.

“Now, having suffered from being called an ‘old woman’ by ANC members, I really hope we create value out of intergenerational cooperation. Older women have a great deal to offer, young women have a great deal to offer – and working together, we would be a strong force.”

She said Shope would have pushed for selfless, committed leaders in the ANC, the Women’s League, and the Youth League, who put service to the people above personal gain.

{Source: IOL}

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