The argument that the ANC is being hijacked by leftists, thus making it move away from its founding principles and the principles of the Freedom Charter, is at the very best cynical.

The argument that the ANC is being hijacked by leftists, thus making it move away from its founding principles and the principles of the Freedom Charter, is at the very best cynical.

The ANC has never been a leftist or leaned to the right. Actually this doesn't even matter to the ordinary person.

The only thing that matters is that the organisation must be able to put bread on the table, create jobs, provide basic services and, ultimately, end poverty.

The ANC was specifically founded to ensure that it serves the interests of a broad church.

If we engage the Freedom Charter carefully, we will notice that it is neither communist nor capitalist, but expresses the commitment of the people to the values that seek to create a betterlife for all South Africans.

What the tripartite alliance resolved at its recent economic summit does not by any means reflect views that differ from the founding principle of the ANC and the Freedom Charter.

When I listen to the leaders of the proposed breakaway party I do not hear anything different or better that they are going to offer the people.

All I hear is how angry they are that an internal decision by the ANC did not suit them. All I see is the extent to which they are prepared to bring the organisation to its knees, the only vehicle that has both the experience and will to address the challenges we face.

We must always remember that a good leader is the one who can also be a good follower.

Makhiwesizwe Motha, Pretoria