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In a move that signals the African National Congress’s (ANC) intolerance for divisions within its ranks, Pietermaritzburg-based member of the provincial legislature (MPL) and former deputy mayor, Mervyn Dirks, has been officially expelled from the party for his involvement with the splinter uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. The expulsion underscores the challenges faced by the ANC as it grapples with internal dissent and the emergence of rival political factions.
The decision to expel Dirks came after he was observed participating in an MK party event in Maqongqo, Pietermaritzburg, dressed in the organization’s colours — a clear indicator of his support for the breakaway faction. ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo conveyed the expulsion through a formal letter, citing a breach of the ANC's constitution, particularly rule 25.17.13, which forbids members from joining other political parties.
Mervyn Dirks' political career has been somewhat marred by controversy prior to this expulsion. As a national assembly MP in Cape Town in 2017, Dirks faced allegations of offensive conduct including insults and a contentious interaction with another ANC MP, Thozama Mantashe, which he denied. Further infamy followed when he was expelled from a National Assembly sitting for making a vulgar hand gesture directed at an opposition party MP, which he justified as a retaliatory act towards provocation.
Dirks’ tenure also involved a notable instance where he challenged the leadership, calling for an investigation into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s alleged mishandling of government funds for ANC internal elections — a complaint that led to his suspension and recall as a representative on the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa).
Despite his expulsion, Dirks is not going gently into the night. He has expressed a stark refusal to accept the termination of his ANC membership, indicating his intent to stand against what he calls "the Ramaphosa ANC." Describing the current leadership as arrogant and embroiled in neoliberal policies, Dirks vows to work relentlessly to support the MK party and undermine Ramaphosa's influence in the upcoming elections.
The ANC's response to Dirks' dismissal has been muted, with provincial spokesperson Mafika Mndebele declining detailed comments. Still, there is an apparent firm stance the party intends to maintain against members collaborating with rival political entities. This expulsion indicates a broader narrative of discord within the ANC, mirroring the party's historical struggle to maintain unity amidst evolving political landscapes and ideologies.
The ANC's internal and public handling of this expulsion could further influence perceptions of the party's ability to manage dissent and its readiness to confront the growing factionalism that threatens its coherence as South Africa's ruling party.