Pandor says ‘ANC has lost its glory’

Former minister says party needs selfless leaders who prioritise service to the people

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

ANC veteran and former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor has said the party has lost its glory and that South Africans now look at the once-revered liberation movement with “disdain, horror and shame”.

Pandor made the remarks while delivering a lecture during the centenary celebration of former ANC Women’s League president Gertrude Shope on Sunday.

Shope, who died in May this year, was a former Member of Parliament and veteran activist. She would have turned 100 this month. “Ma’ Shope would have been dismayed at our faltering progress,” Pandor said.

Pandor’s comments come after ANC National Executive Committee members Malusi Gigaba and suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu had also recently criticised the party.

Speaking about Shope, Pandor said she had been a keen observer of the country’s development over the past 30 years of democracy and noted several advances in education, science, innovation and technology. However, Pandor said Shope would also have been deeply troubled by widespread corruption and the erosion of values among leaders.

“She knew of the corruption that has dragged down the revolutionary morality of our leaders. She was aware of our failures at local government level and of the inadequate capacity to serve, which is so prevalent in our public service; Pandor said.