Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary general, has reminded members of the African National Congress that poor discipline would not be tolerated, and disciplinary action will be taken against renegade members.
Obed Bapela, an ANC national executive committee member and chair of the party’s International Relations Subcommittee, was stripped of his duties last week after allegedly misrepresenting the party during a trip to Morocco that he said was for family purposes.
His expulsion came after the party requested him to explain his actions in Morocco and ordered him to stop engaging with foreign representatives in the name of the ANC.
Mbalula told eNCA on Sunday that Bapela’s explanations were inadequate, and he will face the disciplinary committee.
“Obed Bapela has done something that has startled all of us, and we must take action. We have reached a point in the organisation, like the ANC, when people believe they can do whatever they want. The national executive committee was very clear that we needed to stamp authority and, if necessary, reprimand people and comrades,” Mbalula added.
“That’s what we’re doing.” That is why we held individuals such as Panyaza (Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi) accountable for their words. We won’t stop. It’s not going to stop. I will do it, including taking people to the disciplinary committee.
“So, Obed (Bapela) goes to Morocco and misrepresents us; the problem has now been escalated to the ANC’s DC, where it will be resolved. That’s where he’ll explain his conduct and what he truly done.
Mbalula stated that Bapela had not only embarrassed the ANC, but also touched a nerve given the sensitivities surrounding the Western Sahara issue.
“It is not only embarrassing, but you are aware that the struggle of the people of Western Sahara for self-determination is a key component of the ANC’s international relations work in terms of solidarity. So, what are you trying to accomplish by doing that? Mbalula stated that this undermines the liberation movement’s work in terms of solidarity with the people of Western Sahara, Palestine, and others.
“That has never happened before. There are no negotiations. I wrote to him. He explained himself, but it wasn’t persuasive. Then I’m taking steps, and we’re headed straight to DC.”
In a statement released on Friday, the party stated that Bapela failed to provide a complete description of the Morocco meeting, as well as explanations why his conduct did not violate ANC laws and ideals.
“To this aim, the ANC wishes to inform you that Cde Obed Bapela has been relieved of his duties as deputy chairperson and 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,” according to a statement from the party.
According to reports, Bapela organised a delegation that he falsely portrayed as an official ANC group, including misrepresenting the credentials of individuals known to the party.