By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress’s (ANC) second deputy secretary-general, Maropene Ramokgopa, called on party members to find a way beyond factions.
Ramokgopa also proposed ANC members lead the country through prayer towards unifying, renewing, and growing the party.
Ramokgopa delivered short remarks at a virtual prayer service that the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) held in honour of Tina Joemat-Pettersson.
The 59 year old died on Monday.
She will be laid to rest this coming week in a private ceremony.
Ramokgopa used Sunday night’s event to address an age-old issue in the party.
“We can no longer afford to be divided on the basis of factional lines, instead of working in out of those factions to prove we are the biggest and most advanced organisation.”
Her warnings came as the ANCWL prepares for a national conference.
Most slates in the league, which featured Joemat-Pettersson, are now searching for a deputy president candidate.
And while the late Joemat-Pettersson was lauded and prayed for by most speakers, including her sister Eunice, one preacher had the wellbeing of Africa’s oldest liberation movement in mind.
“God will protect the ANC. God will renew the ANC, according to his ethics and principles.”
The party is expected to hold a national memorial service in her honour in her home province of the Northern Cape on Wednesday.
The ANC declared a mourning period from 8 -17 June 2023 and ordered that “all our flags” in provincial and regional offices “must be flown at half mast”.
Meanwhile Parliament has condemned reports alleging a rift between the family of late Joemat-Petterson and members of the governing party.
According to Sunday World, ANC heavyweights, including National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, were chased away from the family home in Cape Town and told to return some other time.
Parliament has since lashed out at the publication for “gross misrepresentation” and is demanding a retraction and apology for the damning report.
“Contrary to the article’s blatant lies, that the speaker was snubbed by the family, the speaker was warmly welcomed by the Joemat-Pettersson family during her visit to pay her respects,” said Parliament in a statement.
“She spent three hours with the bereaved family, offering condolences, sharing memories, and providing comfort during this challenging time.”
It further described the report as “deeply disheartening”.
“The actions of the Sunday World are a clear violation of the fundamental principles of accuracy, fairness, and respect for the privacy and emotional well-being of the family in times of grief.
“Parliament reserves its right to officially file a complaint against this brazen dissemination of false information.”
Watch in the video below:
Video Courtesy of ANC.