Lekota: An unwelcome prophet

It is apparently improper to comment on South African politics without invoking God or religion more broadly.

Last night a caller to 702 alleged that Mosiuoa Lekota had left the ANC because he had lost power and that his criticism of the ruling party only surfaced after the now (in)famous divorce.

I was reminded of a headline on August 19 2007 proclaiming that “Lekota warns on ANC greed and theft”. Re-reading this article brought to mind the words of Jesus when, as documented in Matthew 13:57 (NIV), he claimed that “only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honour”.

During the commemoration of former ANC leader Peter Nchabeleng in Limpopo, Lekota said that “many ambitious, poor-quality ‘comrades’ occupy government positions and some steal public funds because politics doesn’t pay”.

He went on to add that “many of the comrades occupy positions which they don’t understand but those positions should have been occupied by men and women of quality. They came here thinking they would make money and drive a BMW X5 and Benz”.

Lekota’s scathing criticism of the ANC’s failed policy of cadre deployment was then, in 2007, already evident. He added that “those positions are there for people who want to go and work for the people. If you want to be rich, don’t come and be a councillor, an MEC, a cabinet minister”.

Even on this occasion, almost four years ago, Terror disagreed with Zuma on the ANC ruling until Jesus comes, as he noted that “somebody said the ANC will be in power for ever. Nonsense. The ANC will be in power as long as the ANC serves the interests of the people”.

Of course I am biased, but I think the above-mentioned caller’s allegations are unfair and ill-informed.

However the above, at least in part, explains the unwelcome reception Terror received in Polokwane in 2007. I watched in agony as he was heckled and taunted by inhabitants of his “own house” broadcast on SABC for all to see.

Though I did not leave the ANC with Terror (having departed a month before him, for different reasons) or immediately followed him to establish the Congress of the People, which I only joined in February 2009, I have immense respect and admiration for Comrade Terror, both politically and personally.

Politically his track record of and commitment to non-racialism, non-sexism, democracy and constitutionalism dates back decades before my birth, including the Black Consciousness Movement, the ANC, and the mass democratic efforts of the UDF. His charisma, intimately tied to his ability to speak quite a number of South African languages, is tightly woven with his unwavering stance on core principles.

Principles that have, and continue to, put him at odds with his political associates within and outside the Congress of the People.

What strikes me the most about Comrade Terror is his humanity, humility and consistency. Having spent time with him in the corridors of the Marks Building in the parliamentary precinct, on the floor of the Heartfelt Arena or just over a cup of coffee, Terror remains Terror: warm, friendly, yet adequately and when necessary, firm.

It is almost uncomfortable spending time with someone who, in your mind, is the president of your organisation, and yet takes such an active interest in the developments and details of your own life.

Personally I am inspired by Terror because of his incredible work ethic, his dedication beyond the call of duty and his warm smile despite the immense difficulties he might face.

As such I have often joked that, when I grow up, I want to be like Terror, sans his figure of course, which, with as much respect to him as possible, I think would not fit well with the skinny white boy image I have going.

Sure, Mosiuoa Lekota might not be comparable to the prophets of centuries ago but it is clear that he is a most unwelcome prophet, exactly because (to paraphrase HL Mencken) everything he holds in veneration — “courage, clear thinking, honesty, fairness, and, above all, love of the truth” — is fundamentally opposed by South Africa’s ruling, pseudo-religious, political establishment.