Ramaphosa warns party members not to lower guards against ‘counter-revolution’

Ramaphosa was delivering the closing address at the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) two-day lekgotla on Sunday evening.

This was the ruling party’s first executive meeting of the year – where the issues tackled included its renewal, factionalism and discipline amongst its members.

Ramaphosa admitted that the party is going through a period of decay and degeneration.

The recent destruction of some government facilities and the burning of parliament have been linked to infighting in the party.

“The ANC has been able to extricate itself from similar situations in the past. It is important not to lower our guard against counter-revolution. The threat to our democratic gains is also a result of an era of loss of moral and ethical principles within the congress movement.

We need to show determination in addressing the toxic legacy of state capture resulted in security institutions being weakened, misdirected and hallowed out,” says Ramaphosa.

He says divisions and factions within the ANC are becoming a threat to the country’s democracy.

“As the ANC we should analyze and assess threats caused by others and threats caused by our own acts of omission and commission. This requires a multifaceted and coordinated approach by the cluster and the government institutions where self-reflection is practised.

The ANC needs to commit to deepening and defending the NDR. Counter-revolution is wearing a different countenance in our country. There are expressions of democracy under threat which are a result of loss of ethical compass and moral direction,” he said.

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