This open letter, published by Times Live (Sunday Time's online news feed) urging ANC deputy president,Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. His involvement in the Marikana Massacre and the controversy surrounding the purchase of a buffalo cow and its calf, valued at R 19,5 million are mentioned. It was written by
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania deputy president, Michael Muendane
"
Dear Compatriot,
On April 19, religious leaders, including the Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Archbishop Emeritus Bishop Desmond Tutu, marched to parliament to call for the protection of Chapter 9 institutions, and an end to corruption and maladministration in government. They called on Zuma to speak openly about the R246-million spent on upgrades at Nkandla.
The head of the ZCC, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane, has since joined them, reminding his flock that: "If you think high of yourself, you will elect a high-level, smart and intelligent leadership."
I am writing in the context of my work within communities and on radio, under the banner Soultalk, which has the objective of liberating the minds of the African people from the mental poison that apartheid and colonialism injected to reduce their self-esteem.
There is no doubt that your history of activism, Comrade Cyril, in trade unions and the broader liberation movement, is impressive. I did not always agree with you, but I admired your sincerity.
I don't know what prompted a person with your struggle credentials to bid R19.5-million for a buffalo cow and its calf. This insensitive flamboyance spits at the ANC's repeated admission that our people continue to be haunted by poverty, unemployment and inequality. Your apology enhanced my respect for you.
No sooner had that taken place than you were implicated in the Marikana massacre saga. The jury is still out on your role there, yet I retain my notion that you are basically a man of integrity.
Men and women of vision are those who can read current configurations - in other words, things as they stand in relation to one another today - and visualise them playing out into the future. You have the capacity to be one such person. Nebuchadnezzar was the opposite.
I find myself wondering how you justify continuing to deputise to a man such as Zuma, whose apparent indiscretions include being associated with dubious characters like Schabir Shaik and impregnating the daughter of a friend. Then there is Guptagate and the insults made to Malawi (and Africa in general).
It is commendable that you condemned the insults and demeaning comments directed at the public protector's office. You need to send a stronger message.
Comrade Cyril, I call on you to resign as deputy to this man. History will attribute your inaction to a selfish desire to gain the favour of a virtually discredited man and his self-serving accomplices to win support in your bid for the ANC leadership in 2019.
Is this the legacy you would like to leave?
Your brother in patriotism and good governance. - Ngila Michael Muendane, deputy president, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania"
