THE ANC STATEMENT ON FLOYD SHIVAMBU ARTICLE
The African National Congress is appalled at the crude, uncouth, disrespectful and insulting attack on Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa by Floyd Shivambu in the weekend newspapers (see article). This attack is both mischievous, disingenuous and smack of ill-discipline. Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa is an outstanding leader of the ANC and has earned his standing due to his unflattering commitment to the organisation and the objectives of a free and democratic South Africa.
Cde Cyril ranks amongst those who opted to stand against apartheid when it was unfashionable and when the prize of activism was certain death. He had an option of following his profession and carve himself comfort lifestyle but chose to champion the course of those that were sidelined and dehumanized. As a result of his consistent commitment, he rose to the rank of being the Secretary General of the ANC, a rank he held with distinction and commitment. While at helm of the core leadership of the ANC, Comrade Cyril was tasked with responsibility to lead the drafting of a democratic Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
This decision was not a decision of an individual but the collective leadership of the ANC. Once the task he was assigned was fully accomplished he decided to move on to new terrain with the full support of the ANC leadership under Nelson Mandela, he did not up and go as some may want us to believe, he submitted his request to the ANC collective and the first time it was declined, he submitted to leadership without question. Later when he was convinced that he was ready for a new terrain of struggle he managed to convince the leadership collective and he was released with the blessing of the leadership including that of President Nelson Mandela.
He has continued to serve the organisation selflessly and to grow in his business ventures. He continues together with other Comrades to impact on the business psyche and instill new values based on patriotism. The personal attack on his person is a sign of bankruptcy on the side of Floyd. Comrade Cyril has never discussed being on a list of any factional lobby. The branches of the ANC have not started to discuss nominations and therefore there is no truth that Comrade Cyril is appearing on any list. This exists in the warped imagination of the likes of Floyd.
The role and processes of the NDC and the NDCA are determined by the Constitution of the ANC and therefore the evidence placed in front of these structures determines the outcome. it is therefore disingenuous to blame an individual for the work processed by a team. This is tantamount to saying other members of the team are dwarfs, useless, sheepish followers who do not apply their mind. This in itself, is an insult to the members of the NDCA and their integrity as leaders of the ANC in their own right