A small group of disgruntled supporters gathered outside the African National Congress’s (ANC) Luthuli House on Wednesday, turning the party’s headquarters into a site of protest.
Teboho Maake, an activist, spearheaded the effort by expressing dissatisfaction with the ANC’s recent diplomatic approach to Morocco.
The protest highlighted a growing rift among party loyalists regarding the ANC’s foreign policy direction, particularly in relation to its long-standing commitment to the Sahrawi people.
Maake expressed the sentiments of the group, stating: “We are dissatisfied over the ANC’s stance against Morocco, and there exists an urgent need for clarity on how we plan to develop our bilateral relationships with them.”
This statement comes amidst the controversy surrounding ANC’s provincial leader, Obed Bapela, who faced internal party ramifications after allegedly signing an agreement with Moroccan officials during a visit two months prior.
Bapela’s actions were viewed as contradictory to the ANC’s position of solidarity with the Sahrawi people, have stirred frustration within the party ranks.
Reports suggest that Bapela represented himself as part of an official ANC delegation while advocating for enhanced trade relations between South Africa and Morocco — an overture that seems to undercut the principles of the ANC’s established foreign policy.
The ANC, in response to this turmoil, acknowledged Bapela’s failure to adhere to party protocols regarding his meeting with Morocco’s foreign affairs minister.
Amid the protest, demonstrators presented a memorandum of grievances to Luthuli House, encapsulating their call for the ANC to foster stronger bilateral ties with Morocco. Quoting the Freedom Charter, they insisted that “there shall be peace and friendship,” enhancing the narrative of diplomacy that resonates with historical ANC values.
This protest underscores a palpable tension within the party, as members grapple with the implications of Bapela’s actions and the shift in the ANC’s diplomatic positioning.
It raises significant questions about the future of South Africa’s foreign relations, particularly concerning the intricate balance the ANC must maintain between assuring solidarity for the Sahrawi movement and exploring potential partnerships with Morocco.
The party had in statement announced it decision to remove Bapela as the deputy chair and member of its International Relations subcommittee with the party’s disciplinary committee indicating that it would also handle this matter as the party seeks some action over Bapela’s failure to comply and implement resolutions of its 55th national conference, all of which violate the ANC’s constitution.
“To this end, the ANC wishes to advice that Cde Obed Bapela has been removed of his duties as deputy chairperson, as a member of the ANC NEC Sub-committee on International Relations.
“The ANC secretary-general will be referring the matter to the chief national presenter to prepare for the institution of disciplinary action due to violating the constitution when he failed to comply and implement resolutions of the ANC 55th National Conference and preceding conference resolutions,” the party said in a statement.
Party spokesperson, Shupinyane ka Ndaba, indicated that he was not aware of the protesters and their complaints as he was not at the office at the time.
“I am not aware of the protesters as I was not at the office today. However, I have escalated your query and would revert as soon as I have all the details,” he said.
Furthermore, the group in their memorandum are demanding the ANC attends to issues of the Western Sahara.
“With regards to the Western Sahara, a difference must be drawn between the issue and the issue of Palestine, especially, as Palestine itself supports Morocco and does not recognise the Sahrawi.
“Indeed, while countries support the legitimate struggle of Palestine for the freedom and justice, the issue of Western Sahara is perceived differently by many countries, especially, in Africa where the majority of African countries recognise Morocco sovereignty over the Western Sahara territory and maintaining this confusion weakens the much needed support and unity behind the issue.”
The Star