Nathi Nhleko resigns from the ANC

Former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko has resigned from the ANC calling out the ‘lunacy’ of Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.

His resignation follows an exchange with Mbalula, who accused Nhleko of lying in parliament in defence of former President Jacob Zuma. This was during the inquiry into the Nkandla scandal.

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Nhleko resigned via a letter addressed to the Albertina Sisulu Branch secretary Tolo Fakazi. 

“Consequently, and regrettably, I resign from this African National Congress as its current values and principles are not aligned with mine,” announced Nhleko. 

He further said Mbalula’s accusations demonstrated the bankruptcy, lunacy, and defunct manner of thinking by the Secretary General. Which has unfortunately defined the barren form the ANC has undertaken.

“In the past few years, I have observed that I no longer recognise this ANC that I joined. The ANC whose only aspiration was to liberate our people.

“The ANC as a liberation movement spoke and acted strongly on good ethics; a collective approach; was people focused; and emphasised on humanity and freedom for all,” he said. 

NATHI NHLEKO GIVES REASONS WHY HE RESIGNED FROM THE ANC 

Nhleko also said he had observed fundamental shifts in the ANC. He also added it was painful to see an organisation he loved dearly turning into something unrecognisable.

This included the gradual dismantling and privatisation of state-owned enterprises. The transfer of control of vital sectors of the economy to the “white dominated private sector.

“The reduction of state influence and oversight in critical sectors which could potentially compromise public interest and welfare, and the reduction of employment within state owned enterprises which, he said, leads to job losses. 

“The above stated points represent a deviation from the ANC founding principles. As starkly illustrated by [the] newly found emphasis on austerity measures.”

“These austerity measures are characterised by severe reduction in social spending. For instance, social grants benefiting the elderly have been consistently increasing up until 2018 by 8% annually. Since 2018 the figure of 8% has been reduced to 4% annual increases, with a projected 2% to 3% annual increases for the Medium-Term Expenditure,” he said.