By Mpho Dube
While the country is still shocked about President Jacob Zuma’s apology following news of his out of wedlock child with Ms Sonono Khoza, it is important to enlighten the country that factionalism is the architect of doom and hoodwink.
Before addressing the issue of the so called factionalism, I call upon leaders to practice what they sermonize and act responsible because the youth is looking up to them as role models. It will be unwise for me to judge individuals because I do not know what forced them to act that way.
Let me warn you that factionalism is the architect of doom and hoodwink.
When the Congress of the People (Cope) was formed as a defector or rather a breakaway party of the African National Congress (ANC) it hit the public like a bolt from the blue.
Cope President Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota was vocal about the ruling party’s power mongering, corruption, incompetence, amongst other negative affairs.
That led to some ANC supporters divorcing the party that emancipated them from apartheid regime.
There was a lot of hype that Cope was going to take over from the Democratic Alliance (DA) as official opposition in Parliament with the ambition of walloping the ANC in the general election as well. That was however a dream tarnished by factionalism and self entitlement.
It is a confusing situation because the very same people who accused the ruling party of erroneous deeds are now still skirmishing amongst themselves while their party is haunted by factionalism.
Cope alone is to blame for its self destructing. Allegedly there is dissection between party president Lekota, his deputy Mbhazima Shilowa and parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala.
Factionalism accelerated recently when Cope Youth Movement (CopeYM) said they have no confidence in their current national leadership.
Lekota and Dandala are not favourites while Shilowa is their preferred presidential candidate. Former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is seen as Shilowa’s deputy.
In Limpopo, Cope leader in the Legislature Sello Moloto and Cope MPL Solly Mkhatshwa are not on good terms and factionalism has emerged as well.
CopeYM in Limpopo is gunning for Mkhatshwa because they feel he is politically inexperienced. They have also expressed their discontent about Cope provincial leadership who are outshined by DA leaders Desiree Van Der Walt and Jacques Smalle who continue to challenge the ANC in the Legislature.
In the name of factionalism we have seen former SA president Thabo Mbeki and President Jacob Zuma’s supporters at each others throats prior the ANC 52nd National Elective Conference held in Polokwane from 16 to20 December 2007.
Moloto lost to Cassel Mathale, now Premier and provincial leader, during the 6th ANC Provincial Elective Conference.In the name of factionalism Mathale and ANC Provincial Secretary Joe Maswanganyi are allegedly no longer on good terms despite them strongly denying the allegation.
The same goes for former best buddies in the political arena, ANC Youth League (Ancyl) Provincial Chairperson Lehlogonolo Masoga and Ancyl President Julius Malema.
Beware! Factionalism is the master of devastation to mankind.
