By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has removed Obed Bapela from his position in the International Relations subcommittee, after misrepresenting himself and the party’s stance on Western Sahara during his trip to Morocco.
Bapela, who served as the ANC’s international relations sub-committee chairperson, was asked by his party to explain allegations he called for stronger economic ties between South Africa and Morocco.
Fullview understands Bapela presented himself as a member of an official ANC delegation, though it was believed he was on a family trip.
In a statement on Friday, the party said Bapela failed to give a full account of the Morocco meeting, as well as failed to give reasons why his actions should not be considered to be in violation of ANC policies and principles.
“To this end, the ANC wishes to advise that Cde Obed Bapela has been removed of his duties as deputy chairperson, as a member of the ANC NEC sub-committee on international relations.”
The ANC secretary-general will be referring the matter to the chief national presenter to prepare for the institution of disciplinary action due to violating the constitution when he failed to comply and implement resolutions of the ANC 55th national conference and preceding conference resolutions,” the party said.
During the meeting, Bapela is said to have voiced support for Morocco’s reintegration into the African Union, which could further strengthen bilateral relations across the continent.
The ANC has long supported the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and has condemned Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara. The party sees this as a violation of international law and has called for the implementation of United Nations resolutions demanding a referendum for the Sahrawi people.
The ANC and Algeria’s National Liberation Front have been united in the fight for an independent Western Sahara.
Tensions between South Africa and Morocco played out during the Brics summit in Cape Town last year when the Moroccan government declined an invitation to attend the summit at the 11th hour.
Bapela could not be reached for comment at the time of publishing the story.