I want to advise the ANC to refrain from character assassinations and to start engaging people on the real issues in the way Mbhazima Shilowa did on Wednesday.

I want to advise the ANC to refrain from character assassinations and to start engaging people on the real issues in the way Mbhazima Shilowa did on Wednesday.

I was impressed by the way he carried himself during the press conference. He was neither angry nor emotional. I liked the way he addressed the main issues, particularly his interpretation of the Freedom Charter. I think Shilowa is a great leader, unequalled by any of the current leaders.

He is neither rude nor arrogant, he does not attack individuals or the ANC, but he voices his feelings without being apologetic.

South Africa needs leaders like Shilowa. He reminds me of Oliver Tambo.

Let's go back in history to remind ourselves of what happened in 1960 and 1976. Robert Sobukwe led the anti-pass campaign but was never acknowledged for his contribution. Others claimed responsibility for it.

What about Steve Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement of Azania, who led the 1976 student uprising? If Sobukwe were still alive the PAC would possibly be in power today.

This proves that splits have been good for our struggle and the people involved were the ones who played a major role in our struggle.

The ANC is where it is because it had good leaders, Tambo and Nelson Mandela in particular. Now that those leaders are no longer part of the ANC they have lost the plot.

An alternative party will be good for our democracy

Victor Luzipo

Gauteng