I have noted that there is a disgruntled group in the ANC seeking to form a new party in protest at the decision of the NEC to recall Thabo Mbeki, who has been replaced by Kgalema Motlanthe as president.

I have noted that there is a disgruntled group in the ANC seeking to form a new party in protest at the decision of the NEC to recall Thabo Mbeki, who has been replaced by Kgalema Motlanthe as president.

It is reported that the basis for the split is that Mbeki was recalled without due process being followed.

Interestingly, Mbeki relieved Jacob Zuma of his duties as deputy president without tabling the issue at an NEC meeting.

Neither of these aggrieved individuals argued unfairness or claimed due process was not being followed.

Mbeki's decision was glorified as his prerogative but when a constitutional structure of the ANC exercises its prerogative there are threats to form a splinter group.

We can only wish them well in their endeavour and hope this new party will not become prone to faction fighting over personalities.

Only disciplined cadres, committed to serving the organisation and the people of this country, will remain in the ANC.

No breakaway group has lasted for long without becoming fraught with petty squabbles in its quest to offer the electorate an alternative to the ANC.

This is why the people of South Africa must invest their trust in the ANC and its alliance partners, whose goal is to attain the basic tenets of the Freedom Charter.

Morgan Phaahla, Ekurhuleni