Naledi Pandor: ANC Has “Lost Its Glory” During a Time of “Horror and Shame” for South Africans
Naledi Pandor, the former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, has delivered a compelling message to the African National Congress (ANC), declaring that the once-revered liberation movement has “lost its shine.”
During a memorial lecture on Sunday, Pandor noted that South Africans now regard the ANC with “disgust” and urged the party to seriously reconsider its leadership selections.
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“It is indeed possible, comrades, to regain our lost shine. We have lost our radiance, and there’s no use in pretending otherwise. The public sees us with scorn, horror, and embarrassment,” Pandor expressed.
These remarks came during the centenary celebration of Gertrude Shope, a former president of the ANC Women’s League, who passed away in May this year.
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Naledi Pandor Calls for Selfless Leadership to Restore Trust
Pandor highlighted that the ANC’s viability and its ability to regain majority support depend on choosing leaders committed to serving the public rather than seeking personal gain. She emphasized that the loss of trust stems from leaders neglecting their responsibilities to the country.
“This aspect represents our most significant fault line. We have forgotten that our existence is to serve the people, that our mission is for the people.”
“We must restore this principle by carefully scrutinizing the leaders we support, and ensuring that if our leaders fail in their duties, no matter their position, we will hold them accountable,” she affirmed.
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Reflecting on Shope’s impact within the ANC and the women’s movement, Pandor reminded attendees that the veteran activist had faith in the party’s potential for rejuvenation.
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She stressed that Shope’s vision of an ANC grounded in accountability and people-focused leadership should guide the movement’s future trajectory.
Pandor’s speech contributes to the increasing calls within the ANC for urgent renewal as the party grapples with waning public trust and the challenge of preserving its electoral base.
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