ANC STATEMEMT ON THE DALAI LAMA VISA APPLICATION
The African National Congress (ANC) calls upon all South Africans to stay calm, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and afford the Government of South Africa the opportunity to take us all into its confidence around the Dalai Lama Visa application and its subsequent withdrawal (see here).
The Archbishop knows it well deep down his heart, mind and soul that the ANC and its government cannot be equated to the repressive and divisive apartheid regime, which had never cared for the majority of the people of South Africa, Africans in particular.
Archbishop Tutu knows it well that the ANC has not downplayed the contribution by any interest group in South Africa, including Faith Based Organisations, Non-governmental Organisations, Labour Federations and Interest Groups. The ANC has always been embracive and consultative in its approach and character.
As a result of the ANC reputation, record on human rights, democratic principles and South Africa's progressive Constitution, South Africa is today recognised by international organisations, such as the United Nations and the African Union as a critical role player in international peace and as a protector of human rights. As such, the Archbishop comparison of the (1) ANC and its government to the apartheid government, (2) to the ousted former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, and (3) to the former President of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, is very unfortunate and totally misplaced.
The ANC has always respected all South Africans including those in the churches, and other sectors such as; labour, business, traditional and religious formation, for the role that they have played in the struggle against apartheid. More important, is the role played by the ordinary people of our country, who joined the ranks of the ANC and other liberation movements in pursuit of the freedom that we all today enjoy. It is in the DNA of the ANC to respect all the sectors in our society and abroad.
In as much as the Archbishop is incorrect in saying that the ANC is not respecting the Faith Based Organisations, it is equally incorrect for the Archbishop to say that the ANC abuses its majority or its overwhelming support in the country.
The ANC has actually done contrary to the Archbishop claims. The history of the ANC pre and post apartheid has been that of consultation and listening to all sectors and the views of those who might also be against the policies of the ANC.
We are appealing to the Archbishop to calm down and work together with the ANC and its government, first, on the Dalai Lama issue and secondly, we appeal to the Archbishop not to pray for the demise of the ANC led government, but instead to work together with the ANC and pray for the ANC led government to deliver a better life for all the people of South Africa.
Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC National Spokesperson, October 4 2011
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