PAC founder Robert Sobukwe must be turning in his grave because the party that he loved so much has become a shell of its former self.

PAC founder Robert Sobukwe must be turning in his grave because the party that he loved so much has become a shell of its former self.

Its unfortunate demise is a consequence of protracted leadership disputes between factions accusing one another of killing the organisation.

But then leadership disputes have dogged the party throughout its existence, following it into exile.

Not even the advent of democracy could ameliorate the situation. Instead the party's slide down the political slope triggered the departure of several key members, including ID leader Patricia de Lille and the African People's Convention president Themba Godi. The party at present has one member in parliament, former president Motsoko Pheko.

Last year the PAC's leadership under Letlapa Mphahlele expelled Pheko, accusing him of misappropriating the party's funds.

Now another faction, led by the party's former secretary, Thami Ka Plaatjie, which claims to be "the real PAC that Sobukwe would be proud of", continues to recognise Pheko as its parliamentary representative.

South Africa needs a strong opposition party that has credibility among the country's majority. These divisions do not augur well for the PAC ahead of next year's election.

Will the real PAC ever stand up? We doubt it.