Photo by [TimesLive]
The Chair of the Integrity Commission of the African National Congress (ANC), Reverend Frank Chikane, emphasised that the ruling party can regain the people’s trust by demonstrating their commitment to renewal processes and actively eliminating the corruption and misconduct that has tarnished its reputation.
Reverend Chikane and the integrity commission has the significant responsibility of investigating and providing recommendations regarding party members’ involvement in wrongdoing.
He attributes the current state of the ANC to its self-inflicting actions, as they bear sole responsibility for allowing criminal elements to infiltrate the party. Despite the considerable power and influence amassed by some of these individuals, they should not be feared or given any leniency.
“I think it’s our responsibility to take a stand and say we’re not going to allow criminals to do that. They can’t finish us if we say as a nation, and this is what we need to do. We don’t have a choice. Somebody said, “Do you have a choice?” I say no. If I chose to do nothing, then it means I’m handing over the country to the criminals, and I can’t do that.”
Roughly ten years ago, the ANC established its internal body, the Integrity Commission. The primary purpose of this commission is to examine misconduct accusations among party members thoroughly and to uphold and foster a culture of ethical behaviour and integrity within the ANC.
Integrity Commission Fighting an Uphill Battle
During an interview with Salaamedia, Reverend Chikane displayed a resolute determination to fulfil his mandate until its completion. He likened the future challenges of restoring the ANC, to its former self, to the struggle against apartheid.
“It’s our fault. Once we allowed criminals to step in … That’s a consequence we need to live with. But we should not fear them and give in to them. As people of South Africa, like we did with the apartheid system, we took it on at the time when it looked like suicide … And we won. [Now] the people need to take on this challenge and win.”
Although Reverend Chikane will address public officials, party members, and compromised leaders who have accumulated significant power and influence over time, he expressed his preparedness and willingness to confront these challenges head-on.
“I work on the basis that this is a revolutionary commitment to save this country and make sure that the ordinary people in this country live a better life. If we stop, then you can be sure that the country is gone. So we are aware of the risk but are we committed to fixing our organisation and making sure that the country is run properly? … I’m convinced that we, as the people of South Africa, can’t allow this country [to go] down.”
Additionally, he emphasised that the ANC leaders have provided the commission with complete support to carry out the necessary tasks. Nevertheless, he also stressed the importance of receiving assistance and support from the people for commissioners to fulfil their mandate more efficiently.
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Political Risks
In the current situation prevailing in South Africa, where political violence has unfortunately become a daily occurrence, Reverend Chikane, who has been outspoken about the presence of criminal elements within the ANC, acknowledged that he has carefully considered the risks associated with his position.
However, he implied that the risk of ceasing the fight for justice and integrity is far greater than the risk of losing one’s life. The potential consequence of giving up is losing hope for our country.
Both leaders and members of the ANC have strayed from the ethical and moral principles that the party stands for, instead adopting foreign ideals that have severely crippled them in recent years.
According to Reverend Chikane, the downward spiral began when the party lost sight of the very purpose for which they fought against the apartheid regime, to empower and liberate the people. The decline intensified when the power they sought was misused for personal gain rather than serving the people’s interests, and this remains the fundamental cause of the party’s challenges.
“Lots of people are saying to me, “We want our organisation back” and it must be taken away from compromised and corrupted leaders. [It must be given] to the leaders of the people who have integrity. In the communities, we want leaders with integrity. We don’t want people who are there to serve their interests. I think the message is very clear. I believe in the people, and I’m hoping that we together will fix the people’s organisation.”
