African National Congress

The African National Congress (ANC) is a centre-left political party, and has been South Africa's governing party (in a coalition) since the establishment of majority rule in May 1994. Originally called the South African Native National Congress until 1923, it was founded to defend the rights of the black majority on 8 January 1912 in Bloemfontein, and counted John Dube (its first president) and poet and author Sol Plaatje among its founder members.

Criticism

Bishop Desmond Tutu in his Nelson Mandela speech in 2004 criticized this system as discouraging debate and encouraging patronage within the party. He also singled out business deals that favor the "recycled few" in Black Empowerment deals instead of the poor majority.

Related Topics:
Desmond Tutu - Nelson Mandela - 2004 - Black Empowerment

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Another accusation frequently levelled against them is that they protect their high-ranking members in the face of controversy, and is seen as supporting criminal behaviour. Recent issues of this nature include the Schabir Shaik fraud trial linked to deputy president Jacob Zuma, the sexual misconduct and criminal charges of Beaufort West municipal manager Truman Prince (see http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1700232,00.html), and the Oilgate scandal, in which millions of Rand in funds from a state-owned company were allegedly funneled into ANC coffers http://www.mg.co.za/specialreport.aspx?area=oilgate. Links between factions in the ANC and businessman Brett Kebble gained media attention following Kebble's murder in September 2005.

Related Topics:
Schabir Shaik - Jacob Zuma - Beaufort West - Truman Prince - Oilgate - Brett Kebble - September - 2005

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There are also conspiracy theories advanced by some in the white community that the ANC is complicit in or even inciting farm murders in an effort to scare off white farmers and hasten the process of land redistribution.

Related Topics:
Conspiracy theories - Farm murders

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