ANC ‘has to confront corruption, real and perceived’

The ANC has an obligation to confront corruption “in all its forms, real and perceived”, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe has said.

Speaking at Monash University in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, last night Mantashe said the liberal offensive on the ANC attempted to mobilise all forces that claim to have a grievance with the ANC and its government around the theme of corruption.

“The ‘rooi gevaar’ (communist threat) has been substituted with the corruption theme, wherein all ANC cadres and leaders are deemed corrupt, as opposed to the individual caught in the act.

“For this reason, the movement has an obligation to confront corruption in all its forms, real and perceived.”

The alliance between the SA Communist Party and the ANC has always been attacked by the rightwing and the ultra-left wing, Mantashe said.

“These attacks have always had a motive of dividing the movement, weakening it and ultimately defeating it.”

Mantashe said the alliance between the ANC and SACP was based on principles and trust “derived from practical experiences of sharing trenches”.

- Sapa