DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 20: Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu testifies during the Moerane Commission of inquiry into political killings in the province on September 20, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. Mchunu, who was fired as premier after losing the November 2015 elective conference to current chairperson Sihle Zikalala, made explosive disclosures into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Jackie Clausen)
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 20: Former KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu testifies during the Moerane Commission of inquiry into political killings in the province on September 20, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. Mchunu, who was fired as premier after losing the November 2015 elective conference to current chairperson Sihle Zikalala, made explosive disclosures into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. (Photo by Gallo Images / The Times / Jackie Clausen)
One whistleblower has described the ANC as being run “like the mafia” when speaking out against the ills of the party will cost someone their life. The New York Times‘ brutally-honest report on South Africa’s political killings has shined a spotlight over a topic shrouded in darkness.
The writing team of Norimitsu Onishi and Selam Gebrekidan visited Mzansi and spoke to the whistleblowers and survivors affected by the murders of those who want to see the ANC self-correct.
Their story centres on Sindiso Magaqa, who was recently gunned down for accusing party officials of pocketing millions in the failed refurbishment of a historic building.
Motivations for the political killings in South Africa
Thabiso Zulu is one of these brave informants who spoke to the publication. The former regional leader has been forced into hiding after lifting the lid on the party’s internal wars:
“If you understand the Cosa Nostra, you don’t only kill the person, but you also send a strong message. We broke the rule of omertà. This party has become like the mafia.” – Thabiso Zulu
These are the facts: Up to 90 prominent political figures have been murdered due to their position on corruption and bad behaviour within the ANC. According to a study from the University of Cape Town, 80 of those killings took place in KwaZulu-Natal: The organisation’s most loyal province.
New York Times focus on KZN
But why are the political killings so rife? Well, it all comes down to just how deep the rot has set within the ANC. These crimes have been allowed to flourish as corruption is present at the highest levels of government. That’s what Makhosi Khoza – now of OUTA – puts it all down to.
The report claims their willful ignorance is simply because the top brass are too scared to act, for fear of exposing even more corruption since they came to power in 1994. Needless to say, this is not what Nelson Mandela had in mind when he attempted to establish our rainbow nation.
You can read the full NYT piece here.
