Motlanthe: The penny has dropped for ANC

Former President, Kgalema Motlanthe believes the penny has dropped for the African National Congress (ANC). 

Motlanthe made the remark while waiting to cast his ballot at the Killarney Country Club, north of Johannesburg on Wednesday. 

The former statesman has been very critical of the ANC in the past, saying it could lose power if it did not mend its ways. 

He did, however, pledge to vote for the governing party ahead of the polls, pointing to the reforms started by President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“I think the leadership of the ANC is well aware that this is the last chance,” Motlanthe said. 

“And therefore, I have no doubt that soon after the elections they will attend to all the weaknesses.”

He said he is encouraged by President Ramaphosa’s efforts to root out corruption in the state and in the ANC. 

“The fact that there is a new head of state who is committed to ensuring that all the problems are being laid bare at these commissions of inquiries. It will be attended to and it is an experience that that would never, ever occur again.”  

Motlanthe added that he is still hopeful that the ANC would achieve a clear majority in Gauteng. 

“We did not campaign to enter into coalitions. We campaigned so the ANC would achieve a clear majority in this province. That was not part of the plan. If it eventually happens we’ll take it up from there. 

“But for now - the ANC will win.”