ANC staffers hit back at the party’s nonchalant responses

By: Sello Theletsane

ANC staff members have hit out at the party’s leadership for handling non-payments of salaries and working conditions.

On Friday, the workers released a statement criticizing spokesperson Pule Mabe for “developing a narrative that seeks to suggest that our actions are politically motivated.”

“Our decision to down tools is the last resort, following a series of attempts to work jointly with the employer in finding solutions to the challenges faced by staff members, specifically around outstanding salaries, non-payment of medical aid scheme and pension fund,” Mvusi Mdala said.

Workers have not been paid since July, and the party informed them they would also not be paid in August as the organization was experiencing financial problems.

“Throughout the process, the employer has been making empty promises and selling the employees false hopes. This has adversely affected our livelihoods, and we, therefore, had no other option but to resort to extreme measures against our beloved movement. Any suggestions that raising our grievances is a political ploy to undermine our President Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa is a fallacy and a diversion from the conditions of squalor,” Mdala added.

The workers also reminded Mabe that he is also a staff member at Luthuli House, and they are fighting for his rights as well.

“It, therefore, becomes important that he communicates the ANC message around the industrial action, with the highest form of sensitivity to the plight of the rest of staff members,” said Mdala.

While pleading with the employer to find an amicable solution, it appears the two sides are speaking in different voices. In what many on social media have labelled as an irresponsible comment, National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe said, “staff should soldier on”.

“I worked at Luthuli House for 10 years. There were times when we got our pay on day 36, day 42, and we soldiered on because the source of excitement and charisma in the ANC is serving people and not the salary we are getting. It’s a fulfillment you derive from doing the work for the people and interacting with the people,” Mantashe said in an interview.

He added that it couldn’t be celebrated that people are not paid. He blamed the financial problems on the political party funding legislature.