Umkhonto we Sizwe Commander's Support for Mashatile Sparks Outrage
Johannesburg – A commander from Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) has found himself in hot water after publicly endorsing Deputy President Paul Mashatile as the next president of the ANC and the country. Jeffrey Thamsanqa Mnisi, also known as Commander BA, released a statement on Sunday, under the banner of "EXMK Veterans," throwing his weight behind Mashatile.
Mnisi argued that Mashatile possesses impeccable struggle credentials, political maturity, and a proven track record of leadership within both the government and ANC structures. In his statement, Mnisi asserted that Mashatile has "consistently shown vision, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of the revolution," adding that "across the nine provinces, ANC branches have spoken loud and clear: Phatha Paul Mashatile Phatha! The grassroots support is organic and undeniable." Mnisi had initially agreed to an interview with Sunday World but subsequently became unreachable.
Mnisi also voiced his opposition to Thoko Didiza, stating that her record, "especially in parliament, raises serious questions about her leadership capability." He further criticised the "dysfunction and chaos in the legislature under her watch," arguing that her elevation would serve the interests of those who have already failed the nation. "This is not a time for political experiments. It is a time for renewed trust, unity, and credible leadership," Mnisi stated.
However, Mnisi's endorsement has drawn a sharp rebuke from the MK Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV). Spokesperson Dan Hatto issued a statement on Tuesday distancing the organisation from Mnisi's pronouncements, which had been circulated on social media. Hatto stated that the MKLWV expressed "firm concern and absolute disapproval" of the social media post, labeling it a "mischievous" act that misuses the name of Umkhonto we Sizwe for personal agendas. "We have no political, organisational, or moral association with the group or its reckless pronouncement," he declared.
Hatto emphasised that the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) has repeatedly instructed that no individual or structure may pronounce on leadership succession until the process is officially opened by the organisation. The XMK post, according to Hatto, was "not only irresponsible but at variance with binding NEC resolutions." He warned that such behaviour undermines organisational discipline and inflames factional tensions.
The MKLWV statement also criticised the exploitation of Mashatile's name in the post, calling it "politically opportunistic and fundamentally dishonest." Hatto stressed that Mashatile, as a "longstanding and seasoned cadre of the movement," would not appreciate his name being used for factional battles. "Those behind the post are exploiting his name and at the same time pushing their own divisive agenda," Hatto stated, accusing them of "violating ANC process while pretending to speak for veterans."
Hatto also raised concerns over the misappropriation of the MKLWV's heritage and liberation symbols by certain political entities. He pointed to the recent MKMVA conference, an entity disbanded by the ANC, noting that this association continues to enjoy government funding despite its disbandment. The statement further accused the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) of hijacking the MKMVA’s ‘killer man symbol’, an issue currently being pursued in court by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
"Under no circumstances will the MKLWV structure be used to advance factional agendas or promote untimely leadership contestation within the ANC," Hatto asserted. The organisation reiterated its mandate to protect the integrity of the ANC and the legacy of Umkhonto we Sizwe, rather than engaging in "factional theatre on social media."
Hatto called on all comrades, veterans, activists, and members across ANC structures to respect the organisation’s due processes and refrain from circulating divisive and unauthorised statements. "The future of our movement and country is far too important to be derailed by social-media adventurism posing as veterans’ activism," the statement warned.
The MKLWV will refer the matter to the ANC national disciplinary committee for appropriate action. "The ANC has clear rules governing political conduct, and those who defy them must be held accountable," Hatto stated. He urged "genuine cadres" to focus their efforts on the national general council, describing it as a "critical platform for reviewing the 55th National Conference resolutions and accelerating the ANC’S organisational renewal."
Hatto concluded by stating that the role of MK veterans is to strengthen the ANC, not weaken it through "premature, divisive, and unauthorised leadership pronouncements."
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