ANC Cracks Down on Internal Dissent: Charges Loom for Tony Yengeni and Others Over Social Media Outbursts

The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party, has signaled a tough stance against internal dissent. In a recent announcement, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula revealed that the party will press charges against high-profile member Tony Yengeni, among others, for derogatory remarks made about the party’s leadership on social media platforms.

In a media briefing about the ANC’s readiness for its 113th-anniversary celebrations, Mbalula expressed concerns over the discipline within the party ranks. This includes addressing tweets and public comments that "bring the ANC into disrepute" or "cast aspersions on the leadership."

Tony Yengeni, a staunch supporter and representative of former president Jacob Zuma, has been vocally critical of the current ANC leadership under President Cyril Ramaphosa. Notably, Yengeni has challenged Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal, where allegations were made about the president stashing undeclared US dollars. Yengeni's outspoken support for Zuma and frequent social media activity have placed him under the scrutiny of the party's disciplinary committee.

Mbalula’s declaration underscores a broader intent to enforce discipline within the party, touching even those members tweeting contentious statements "after taking something at 2 am." The ANC aims to curb these expressions, which it views as detrimental to the party's unity and public image.

Additionally, Mbalula addressed misconceptions regarding the capacity of Mandela Park Stadium, clarifying that contrary to claims of only 2000 seats, the park adjacent to the stadium can accommodate 22,000 people. This clarification comes amid skepticism about venue selection for the ANC’s anniversary, hinting at possible strategies to manage public perception of attendance.

The ANC's decision to host celebrations in Khayelitsha, deemed a strategic move by Mbalula, is claimed to strengthen ties with one of the ANC’s largest constituencies in the Western Cape — an area where the party historically faces challenges against the DA-controlled provincial government.

As the ANC navigates internal and external challenges, actions like these reflect a concerted effort to solidify leadership and recalibrate the party's narrative ahead of future electoral contests. The measures against figures like Yengeni are indicative of the lengths the ANC is willing to go to maintain cohesion and discipline within its ranks, illustrating the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and public perception in South Africa’s political landscape.