ANC 108: Ramaphosa withdraws from events amid SANDF deployment saga

Ramaphosa has opted to withdraw from the Friday festivities of the African National Congress’ (ANC) build-up to their 108th anniversary (ANC 108) celebrations.

Interestingly, the announcement was made only a few days after armed personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were seen patrolling the streets of Galeshewe, a township in Kimberley.

Ramaphosa mysteriously withdraws from ANC 108th celebration

In a statement published by the ANC, the party revealed that Ramaphosa would no longer be taking part in two of the three events taking place in Galeshewe on Friday.

The president was scheduled to lead a Thuma Mina walk in Galeshewe, before teeing off at the Magersfontein Memorial Golf Estate as part of the ANC’s 108th birthday celebrations.

However, according to the party, Ramaphosa will only attend the gala dinner that is taking place at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, on Friday evening, where he is expected to deliver the main address.

ANC distances itself from shoddy SANDF deployment

ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile, who was tapped to step in for Ramaphosa at the golf course, stated that there was nothing untoward about the president’s withdrawal from the taxing daytime events.

“I spoke to the president last night. He was supposed to tee off and play today, but because he had a very heavy schedule since he arrived here, he requested me to take over and it was understood.

“Playing golf can be hectic and remember he has to address the dinner tonight,” Mashatile said.

Coincidentally, the president’s withdrawal occured in the same week the uncommon presence of SANDF forces in the township was questioned.

The SANDF has confirmed that it’s soldiers were irregularly patrolling the Galashewe township in Kimberly where President Cyril Ramaphosa was visiting. After I sent queries, soldiers were told to remain in barracks. pic.twitter.com/ucXxII07Y1

— Qaanitah|Mzekezeke|Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) January 9, 2020

According to the SANDF, the police were utilising barracks around Kimberley to house soldiers. However, the soldiers were not allowed to loiter around in the streets.

While the Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the unlawful deployment of armed forces who were spotted patrolling Galeshewe, it still did not offer an explanation for why the army was not stationed at the barracks.

The ANC has since distanced itself from the shoddy deployment, simply stating that it cannot account to something it knows absolutely nothing about.

“The only army we have in the ANC are the marshals you see at ANC events. Any other arrangement, the ANC will not be able to account for that,” ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe stated.