Destroying books ‘not what the ANC stands for,’ says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has added his voice to those critical of the disruptions of the launch of the book ‘Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture’.
nvestigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s book makes several claims of corruption and state capture against ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule during his time as premier of the Free State.
On Tuesday a group of protestors, wearing ANC t-shirts, stormed the Exclusive Books in Sandton, tearing copies of Myburgh’s book and forcing the organisers to call off the event.
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Ramaphosa told those in attendance at the launch of the ANC’s new political school that Tuesday’s events were “not what the ANC stands for”.
“What we witnessed earlier this week is not what the ANC stands for, that does not define what the ANC stands for. Let me say it does not define what the ANC will ever stand for,” he said.
The launch of the OR Tambo School of Leadership comes amid concerns over the quality of the ANC membership and the fact that many now join the ANC not to serve, but to line their pockets.
Continued reports of factionalism within the party also remains a concern.
According to ANC NEC member and the school’s principal, David Masondo, the institution’s aim is to renew and unite the ANC.
“We have established the school in order to renew the ANC because we think by building members and leaders of the ANC, we will serve South Africa better in the state, in the economy in the civil society. We will have people who understand the democratic values, vision of this country and what people like OR Tambo fought for,” he said.