JOHANNESBURG: Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told a group of academics and professionals that the ANC is not for sale.
Ramaphosa was addressing the delegates at a Volunteers Summit held in Sandton on Wednesday.
The ANC is on a charm offensive ahead of the local government elections.
And it was Ramaphosa’s turn to convince the majority of black professionals and academics to back the ruling party.
“Rekindle your love for the ANC, we want your love back…”the deputy president told the delegates.
He dismissed allegations that the Gupta family is influencing the party and government officials into making certain cabinet appointments.
“The ANC is not for sale. The ANC is not for sale. And what we will also say is that the ANC refuses to be captured. Those who want to capture the ANC and make it their own and influence it to advance personal or corporate interest you have come to the wrong address. Try next door,” Ramaphosa said.
Several black intellectuals spoke out about feeling side-lined by the ruling party particularly at branch level.
“Every time professionals do not find a space to express themselves and a space to participate within the African National Congress”
But the crowd was not completely convinced.
“Whenever we speak alliance – it is voting time. After we vote, the teachers get harassed by our own comrades, I want to know the state of the ANC alliance,” said one student.
“The African National Congress has been involved in scandal after scandal. What is your legacy? As our leadership?…This is not the ANC of OR Tambo. This is the ANC of Mashatile and Ramaphosa,” said another
Ramaphosa talked tough on corruption “if they breach those core values there must be consequences and accountability. We must see that happening. Yes I can hear you, you are all saying when. That moment is now, it is going to happen,” he said.
The Deputy President admitted that he was wooing the voters so that they could help the party win at the polls.
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