Ordinarily the African People's Convention would not comment on the goings-on in the ANC's succession battles because it is an internal matter.

Ordinarily the African People's Convention would not comment on the goings-on in the ANC's succession battles because it is an internal matter.

But the reality is that the ANC is the ruling party and whatever happens to it affects all South Africans.

The ANC finds itself in unfamiliar territory. For a long time it has prided itself on its ability to contain its internal schisms well.

The APC believes that the absence of a viable, credible and progressive alternative to the ANC since 1994 has meant that the contradictions between progress and stagnation happen within the ANC as opposed to between it and another contesting party.

Our concern is that if ANC members cannot contest fairly for leadership among themselves, what are the implications for a fair political contest against their opponents?

We are convinced that beyond Limpopo the ANC and its allies will endure a sustained period of instability.

Fortunately for South Africa and its democracy, the exigencies of history have led to the formation of the African People's Convention on September 5 2007.

Since 1994 there has been no viable, credible and progressive alternative to the ANC.

The APC has been formed to be that alternative, so that patriots and progressive elements in society can find a political home through which to continue to serve the masses.

Mafemane Maringa, APC spokesman