Struggle veteran Mavuso Msimang has backtracked on his decision to ditch the ANC following a meeting with the party’s secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
This follows a public spat that erupted last week when Mbalula accused party veterans including Msimang of campaigning against the ANC instead of using proper channels to address concerns with leadership.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ANC confirmed that Mbalula and Msimang had met and reached an agreement.
The party highlighted Mbalula’s regret over his utterances, expressing remorse for impugning the veteran’s integrity.
Mbalula regrets bribery allegations
“The SG [secretary-general] regrets that he made comments that impugned the integrity of Cde [comrade] Msimang suggesting that he was vulnerable to taking a bribe from a newly established political formation, or for that matter any other source,” reads the statement.
“The SG of the ANC and [comrade] Mavuso Msimang met on 12 December 2023 to address the manner in which the resignation letter by [comrade] Msimang was managed in public. The meeting was facilitated by the veterans league of the ANC.
“The ANC SG expressed the ANC’s commitment to taking the ANC forward on a path of renewal, rejuvenation and growth.”
“We are pleased that comrade Msimang has agreed to withdraw his resignation and will continue to speak up against any malfeasance impacting the interests of society.”
Msimang had submitted his resignation citing various issues including the party’s failure to address members implicated in state capture.
Mbalula accused him of submitting his resignation through the media and speculated that the Msimang might join a newly established political formation called Change Starts Now.
Msimang denied Mbalula’s claims and refuted any affiliation with Change Starts Now. He also expressed disappointment in Mbalula’s actions.
He further clarified that he had sent his resignation via e-mail to Mbalula and his assistant at Luthuli House before it was leaked to ANC WhatsApp groups.
He also defended himself against Mbalula’s accusation of accepting a bribe, calling it a deliberate lie and an embarrassment to the ANC.
