ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has warned members of the African National Congress that ill discipline will not be tolerated, and disciplinary measures will be taken against rogue members.
IOL reported last week that Obed Bapela, an ANC national executive committee member and chair of the party’s International Relations Subcommittee, has been relieved from his duties after he allegedly misrepresented the party during a trip to Morocco, which he claimed was a family trip.
His removal comes after the party asked him to explain his actions in Morocco and he was further urged to cease any further engagements with foreign representatives in the name of the ANC.
Speaking to broadcaster eNCA on Sunday, Mbalula said Bapela’s explanations were not satisfactory and he will face the disciplinary committee.
“Obed Bapela has done something that shocked all of us and we have to take steps. We have reached a stage in the organisation, like the ANC, where people think they can do as they wish. The national executive committee was very clear that we must stamp the authority and if necessary, discipline people, discipline comrades,” said Mbalula.
“That is what we are doing. That is why we called the likes of Panyaza (Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi) to account for their statements. We will not stop. It is not going to stop. I will do it, including taking people to DC (disciplinary committee).
“So, Obed (Bapela) goes to Morocco, misrepresents us there, that matter now is going to the DC of the ANC and that is where it will be settled. That’s where he will account about his actions and what he actually did.
Mbalula added that Bapela had not only embarrassed the ANC, but had touched a nerve considering the sensitivity around the Western Sahara matter.
“It is not just embarrassing but you know the struggle of the people of Western Sahara and their self determination is a central international relations work of the ANC in terms of solidarity. So when you do that, what are you trying to do? Undermining the liberation movement’s work in terms of solidarity with the people of Western Sahara, Palestine and everywhere else,” said Mbalula.
“That is unheard of. There is no negotiations. I wrote to him. He explained himself, but it is not convincing. Then I am taking steps, we are taking steps to the DC straight.”
In a statement on Friday, the party said Bapela failed to give a full account of the Morocco meeting and also failed to give reasons why his actions should not be considered to be in violation of ANC policies and principles.
“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 Subcommittee 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.
Reports suggest that Bapela organised a delegation that he falsely presented as an official ANC group, including the misrepresentation of the credentials of individuals known to the party.
IOL