Leaders of the United Democratic Front (UDF) (from left) Florence Mkhize, Albertina Sisulu, Archie Gumede and Henry Fazzie at a Free All Political Prisoners rally held in Durban on December 15, 1985. Many of the people who built the ANC during decades of repression earned reputations for honesty, humility and commitment to ordinary citizens. Many of those people now occupy the margins of the organisation, says the writer.
Dr. Reneva Fourie
The African National Congress recently closed the public nomination process for mayoral candidates across municipalities. The initiative broadened the pool beyond existing membership and enabled recruitment of candidates from broader society.
The process was intended to strengthen participation, improve governance and attract professional expertise into local government. The decision, however, revealed a deeper organisational crisis within the ANC.
The opening of public nominations for senior leadership positions suggested that the party leadership no longer believes its own structures could produce sufficient numbers of suitable candidates.
