THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER BY COMRADE MATTHEWS BANTSIJANG

THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER:
The Dual Role of ANC Leadership: Navigating Grassroots Activism and Institutional Accountability
By Comrade Matthews Mooketsane Bantsijang

Introduction

The African National Congress (ANC) has long been a pivotal force in South African politics, embodying the nation's aspirations for equality, justice, and democratic governance. The role of an ANC leader is uniquely positioned at the intersection of grassroots activism and institutional accountability, making it both a powerful and precarious undertaking. This paper explores the core responsibilities of ANC leaders, the challenges they face, and the ongoing renewal agenda aimed at restoring integrity and trust within the party and its relationship with the broader society.

“Through the Eye of a Needle” – Summary

Purpose:
ANC’s seminal policy document published in 2001 by the African National Congress (ANC), Through the Eye of a Needle sets out ethical and political criteria for selecting leaders who embody the movement’s revolutionary values and commitment to transformation.
Core Themes:
• Leadership as Service: Leadership is not a reward or entitlement, but a responsibility rooted in serving the people and advancing the struggle for justice.
• Moral Integrity: Leaders must demonstrate revolutionary morality, discipline, and a track record of community engagement.
• Democratic Accountability: Electoral processes within the ANC must reflect internal democracy, not personal ambition, factionalism, or financial influence.
• Cadre Development: The document emphasizes building a leadership collective that reflects the ANC’s historic mission and is capable of guiding transformation.
• Challenges Identified: It warns against the rise of corrupt practices, careerism, and the misuse of internal democracy for self-enrichment or power retention.
Symbolism:
The title evokes the biblical metaphor—“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”—to stress that leadership in a liberation movement must be difficult, demanding, and morally rigorous.

If you'd like, I can help unpack how this document could inform leadership renewal within the Methodist Church or broader African institutions. It’s a powerful lens for prophetic critique and institutional transformation.
The Pillars of ANC Leadership

Ethical Leadership: The Moral Compass

At the heart of ANC leadership lies the expectation of ethical leadership. Leaders are called to embody the values of the ANC—integrity, service, and justice. This moral compass is essential not only for personal conduct but also for fostering a culture of accountability within the party. Ethical leadership serves as a foundation for trust, which is crucial for mobilizing support and ensuring that the party remains aligned with the aspirations of the people it represents.

Community Engagement: Bridging the Divide

ANC leaders serve as vital conduits between the party.

1. The Dual Role of ANC
Leadership: Navigating
Grassroots Activism and
Institutional Accountability
THE BONA FIDE
CHARACTER OF
ANC LEADER
Submission to the Secretary
General of the ANC - 2025
Comrade Matthews
Mooketsane Bantsijang

2. THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER by Cde MATTHEWS BANTSIJANG 1 | P a g e
THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER :
The Dual Role of ANC Leadership: Navigating Grassroots Activism and Institutional Accountability
By Comrade Matthews Mooketsane Bantsijang

Introduction

The African National Congress (ANC) has long been a pivotal force in South African politics,
embodying the nation's aspirations for equality, justice, and democratic governance. The role of an
ANC leader is uniquely positioned at the intersection of grassroots activism and institutional
accountability, making it both a powerful and precarious undertaking. This paper explores the core
responsibilities of ANC leaders, the challenges they face, and the ongoing renewal agenda aimed
at restoring integrity and trust within the party and its relationship with the broader society.

“Through the Eye of a Needle” – Summary

Purpose:
ANC’s seminal policy document published in 2001 by the African National Congress (ANC), Through
the Eye of a Needle sets out ethical and political criteria for selecting leaders who embody the
movement’s revolutionary values and commitment to transformation.
Core Themes:
• Leadership as Service: Leadership is not a reward or entitlement, but a responsibility rooted
in serving the people and advancing the struggle for justice.
• Moral Integrity: Leaders must demonstrate revolutionary morality, discipline, and a track
record of community engagement.
• Democratic Accountability: Electoral processes within the ANC must reflect internal
democracy, not personal ambition, factionalism, or financial influence.

3. THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER by Cde MATTHEWS BANTSIJANG 2 | P a g e
• Cadre Development: The document emphasizes building a leadership collective that reflects
the ANC’s historic mission and is capable of guiding transformation.
• Challenges Identified: It warns against the rise of corrupt practices, careerism, and the
misuse of internal democracy for self-enrichment or power retention.
Symbolism:
The title evokes the biblical metaphor—“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”—to stress that leadership in a liberation movement
must be difficult, demanding, and morally rigorous.

If you'd like, I can help unpack how this document could inform leadership renewal within the
Methodist Church or broader African institutions. It’s a powerful lens for prophetic critique and
institutional transformation.
The Pillars of ANC Leadership

Ethical Leadership: The Moral Compass

At the heart of ANC leadership lies the expectation of ethical leadership. Leaders are called to
embody the values of the ANC—integrity, service, and justice. This moral compass is essential not
only for personal conduct but also for fostering a culture of accountability within the party. Ethical
leadership serves as a foundation for trust, which is crucial for mobilizing support and ensuring that
the party remains aligned with the aspirations of the people it represents.

Community Engagement: Bridging the Divide

ANC leaders serve as vital conduits between the party and the communities they represent. Their
role in community engagement is paramount, as they must ensure that local concerns inform
national priorities. By actively listening to the voices of constituents, leaders can advocate for policies

4. THE BONA FIDE CHARACTER OF ANC LEADER by Cde MATTHEWS BANTSIJANG 3 | P a g e
that resonate with the lived experiences of the people, thereby reinforcing the party's relevance and
commitment to social justice.

Policy Literacy: The Knowledge Imperative

In an era marked by complex socio-economic challenges, ANC leaders must possess a deep
understanding of party policies, particularly in critical areas such as land reform, economic
transformation, and social justice. Policy literacy enables leaders to communicate effectively with
constituents, ensuring that party initiatives are understood and supported. This knowledge is crucial
for fostering informed political discourse and enabling citizens to participate meaningfully in the
democratic process.

Mobilisation and Organising: The Engine of Growth

A key responsibility of ANC leaders is to drive membership growth, political education, and
community action. Mobilisation and organising efforts are crucial for sustaining the party's grassroots
base and ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of the populace. Leaders must inspire
and empower members to take an active role in political processes, fostering a sense of ownership
and agency within the party.

Conflict Resolution: Fostering Unity

Internal disputes and factionalism pose significant challenges to the cohesion of the ANC. Leaders
must navigate these conflicts skilfully, fostering unity within the branch while addressing the
concerns of various factions. Effective conflict resolution is essential for maintaining party integrity
and ensuring that the ANC remains focused on its broader mission of social justice and equality.

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Challenges to Character and Credibility

Factionalism: A House Divided

Factionalism within the ANC presents a formidable challenge to leadership. Loyalty to internal
groupings often undermines broader party unity and mission, leading to fragmentation and
disillusionment among members. This internal strife can detract from the party's ability to effectively
address the needs of the communities it serves.

Gatekeeping: The Exclusion Dilemma

The control over membership and access to opportunities can breed exclusion and resentment
within the ANC. Gatekeeping practices can alienate potential supporters and undermine the party's
commitment to inclusivity and democratic participation. Leaders must be vigilant in ensuring that all
voices are heard and that opportunities for engagement are accessible to all members.

Corruption and Patronage: Erosion of Trust

Corruption and patronage within the ANC pose significant threats to the party's credibility and
democratic culture. The misuse of resources or influence erodes public trust and undermines the
moral authority of the party. Leaders must actively combat these practices, reaffirming their
commitment to ethical governance and accountability.

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The ANC’s Renewal Agenda: A Path Forward

In response to the challenges it faces, the ANC has embarked on a renewal agenda, particularly in
the wake of the Nasrec conference and the establishment of the Integrity Commission. This agenda
aims to:
1. Reaffirm Ethical Standards: By establishing clear ethical guidelines for leadership, the ANC seeks
to restore public confidence in its leaders and their commitment to the party's values.

2. Democratise Branch Processes: Efforts to democratize candidate selection and enhance member
participation are essential for fostering a more inclusive and representative party structure.

3. Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Implementing lifestyle audits and disciplinary procedures
will enhance transparency and accountability within the party, ensuring that leaders are held to the
highest ethical standards.

4. Rebuild Trust: The ANC must work diligently to rebuild trust between the party and society,
particularly among youth and marginalised communities. Engaging these groups in meaningful
dialogue and action is crucial for revitalising the party's relevance and legitimacy.

Conclusion

The role of an ANC leader is both powerful and precarious, situated at the crossroads of grassroots
activism and institutional accountability. By embodying ethical leadership, engaging with
communities, and navigating the challenges of factionalism and corruption as reflecting directly or
indirectly on policy document “Through the eye of the needle”, ANC leaders can fulfil their
responsibilities and contribute to the party's renewal agenda. The future of the ANC hinges on its
ability to restore trust and integrity, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and progress for all
South Africans.

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References

1. African National Congress. (2017). ANC 54th National Conference Resolutions.
2. Baskin, J. (2018). The ANC and the Politics of Renewal: A Historical Perspective. African
Studies Review, 61(2), 1-20.
3. Chikane, M. (2019). The ANC's Struggle for Renewal: A Personal Reflection. Johannesburg:
Jacana Media.
4. Mbeki, T. (2017). The African Renaissance: New Pathways for the ANC. Cape Town:
Tafelberg.
5. Ndlovu, S. (2020). Factionalism and the Future of the ANC: Challenges and Opportunities.
South African Journal of Political Studies, 47(3), 345-360.
6. Zuma, J. (2018). Leadership in the ANC: Reflections on Ethical Governance. Pretoria: Human
Sciences Research Council.