Government ministers speaking at the Eastern Cape’s May Day rally stated that President Jacob Zuma would not be recalled by the ANC and also highlighted the need for unity within the tripartite alliance.
But the ministers differed over whether the party or the president should be defended in the current climate.
The rally at Victoria Ground, in King William’s Town, turned into a tripartite event with speakers campaigning for the local government elections rather than addressing the issues of workers.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, while addressing about 200 people at the venue where Enoch Sontanga’s original version of the national anthem was sung leaving out the English and Afrikaans versions, accused the media of working with those who wanted to remove the ANC from power.
Mbalula cited media reports that the stadium was not full during the manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth.
He said the alliance needed to unite. “We need to defend the ANC and the alliance. People think the ANC and Cosatu are divided. Even judges want change. Zuma will lead until 2017. No judge is going to tell us who must lead.”
Mbalula lambasted the opposition parties, especially DA leader Musi Maimane, EFF commander-in-chief Julius Malema and former Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi, saying they would not bring about change to the lives of workers.
“We must not retreat. Let’s go to the local government elections with decisiveness. Let’s not destroy the party by electing girlfriends and boyfriends. Let’s elect councillors who are wanted by communities. We don’t have the luxury to fight each other,” he said.
Mbalula said Black Economic Empowerment in its current form was working, but it was white capitalists who were working against economic development in the country.
He said white capitalists were not investing in the country, but elsewhere, while claiming that the ANC was not creating jobs.
He would continue with pursuing transformation in sport in the country because that was the ANC policy.
Mbalula said they were not defending Zuma, but the ANC.
This was contrary to what Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana said in his address.
Zokwana said Zuma had asked for forgiveness following the Constitutional Court ruling.
“He will lead until his term ends. We will protect him. We are not going to listen to those who were expelled,” he said referring to Malema and Vavi.
He said workers should refrain from following certain leaders, and must focus on the principles of their unions.
Zotwana also called for unity. “All we need is unity in the alliance. It doesn't mean we cannot disagree but it is important to talk within, not outside .”
Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle criticised those who sang Enoch Sontogan’s version of the national anthem, saying the country needed to move forwards, not backwards.
Rally turns into tripartite politicking
But the ministers differed over whether the party or the president should be defended in the current climate.
The rally at Victoria Ground, in King William’s Town, turned into a tripartite event with speakers campaigning for the local government elections rather than addressing the issues of workers.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, while addressing about 200 people at the venue where Enoch Sontanga’s original version of the national anthem was sung leaving out the English and Afrikaans versions, accused the media of working with those who wanted to remove the ANC from power.
Mbalula cited media reports that the stadium was not full during the manifesto launch in Port Elizabeth.
He said the alliance needed to unite. “We need to defend the ANC and the alliance. People think the ANC and Cosatu are divided. Even judges want change. Zuma will lead until 2017. No judge is going to tell us who must lead.”
Mbalula lambasted the opposition parties, especially DA leader Musi Maimane, EFF commander-in-chief Julius Malema and former Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi, saying they would not bring about change to the lives of workers.
“We must not retreat. Let’s go to the local government elections with decisiveness. Let’s not destroy the party by electing girlfriends and boyfriends. Let’s elect councillors who are wanted by communities. We don’t have the luxury to fight each other,” he said.
Mbalula said Black Economic Empowerment in its current form was working, but it was white capitalists who were working against economic development in the country.
He said white capitalists were not investing in the country, but elsewhere, while claiming that the ANC was not creating jobs.
He would continue with pursuing transformation in sport in the country because that was the ANC policy.
Mbalula said they were not defending Zuma, but the ANC.
This was contrary to what Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana said in his address.
Zokwana said Zuma had asked for forgiveness following the Constitutional Court ruling.
“He will lead until his term ends. We will protect him. We are not going to listen to those who were expelled,” he said referring to Malema and Vavi.
He said workers should refrain from following certain leaders, and must focus on the principles of their unions.
Zotwana also called for unity. “All we need is unity in the alliance. It doesn't mean we cannot disagree but it is important to talk within, not outside .”
Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle criticised those who sang Enoch Sontogan’s version of the national anthem, saying the country needed to move forwards, not backwards.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos