Election lists backlash

THE move by the ANC to have its local government candidates to be interviewed by the communities they are supposed to serve is commendable.

The unfortunate consequence, though, is that the process has been marred by protests within the party about how those on the list were nominated.

Those behind these protests argue that the ANC leadership in the areas concerned is trying to impose their favoured candidates on the electorate.

That the protests arise from within is an indication of the factionalism that continues to ravage the party.

Responding to the recent ruling against ANC members in Eastern Cape, ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe said the decision exposed those involved as being driven by self-interest rather than a commitment to serve the public.

Interestingly, this is the accusation levelled at the ANC leadership by those objecting to the candidates lists.

The unfortunate reality is that this political bickering is having a negative effect on service delivery as our report on the goings-on at Bojanala reveals.

What these developments tell us is that certain ANC individuals motivated by self-interest and political ambitions are undermining the party's drive to improve the quality of life of the majority. Of concern is how this tendency has manifested itself post-2007 Polokwane national conference.

Since then, what we have seen is a growing tendency by some to challenge party lists decided by conference.