Free thinkers of the ANC

There is the perception among some, especially right-wing intellectuals, that members of the ruling party are a tame and timid lot.

They insist the organisation suffers from top-down Stalinist political baggage and thus neither affirms nor encourages independence of mind.

Depending on how one looks at things, this could have some grain of truth.

Unfortunately, it is nothing but a generalisation that cannot be supported by facts.

It is incorrect and illogical to make the accusation that members of the ANC, generally, find it impossible to enjoy independence of thought and self-expression.

We have to acknowledge that since its inception, the ANC has produced great thinkers, writers and journalists who have played a pivotal role in the development and growth of a culture of freedom of expression.

These individuals include outstanding activists and leaders in the ANC tradition who have shaped, moulded and defined the role of the media and journalists in society.

Names that randomly come to mind would include John Dube, Sol Plaatje, RW Rubusana, Govan Mbeki, Ruth First, Brian Bunting, Tony Heard, Alex La Guma, Mzala Nxumalo, Pallo Jordan, Raymond Suttner and Joel Netshitenzhe, to name a few.

There is a vibrant tradition of independent thinking and individual self-determination that these predecessors have passed on to younger members.

A critical engagement and exchange of views with post-1990 members of the ANC reveals a calibre of cadres who are determined not only to engage in debate but show a willingness to allow freedom to those who disagree with them.

These are, mostly, young, educated professionals who truly understand that throwing the first punch or pulling out a gun is not the best way to win an argument.

Take him for what you will but even Julius Malema can be seen as the epitome of this desire and assertion for the right to freedom of thinking and self-expression with ANC ranks.

Of course, there are some “tsotsis“, that is, political thugs within the ANC who use intimidation, violence and other mafia-style methods to get their way but they are in the minority and, increasingly, on the decline.

We need to understand that where there is no encouragement and affirmation of individuals who are willing to prove that they can be ANC members and still be independent, neither the organisation nor society can have moral commitment.

What it is likely to produce is just an unending list of “yes men” who tow the party political line for personal gain and accomplishment.

With the maturing of our democracy, the ANC should be aware that without credibility, the members that it “deploys” to public institutions will only threaten its integrity and destabilise society.

It is for this reason that we have to put the spotlight on and celebrate intellectual, young men within the movement who are beginning to insist on their rights to dissent.

Over the decades there have been numerous dissenting voices and splits, a true revelation of the level of internal debate and independence of thought among some ANC members.

It is unfortunate that critics of the ANC do not apply the same standards to judging their members.

Instead, they want to single out certain individuals for praise while they condemn the opposing lot for top-down Stalinism, which suppresses independence of thought and expression.

In fact, there is a dangerous pattern that says only ANC members who have a pro-business bias should be given the benefit of the doubt and affirmed as free-thinkers.

What I wish to propose here is the view that it is possible to be a member of the ANC and enjoy independence of mind.

Presently, there are far too many men and women who have joined the ANC for personal accomplishment and gain at the expense of doing the right thing, especially speaking out.

But for this society to be what it ought to be, we have to affirm and encourage those ANC members who claim independence of thought and see themselves as agents of freedom of expression.

Let us give them the opportunity to prove themselves through what they do and say.

History will be the best judge.

Also, they cannot fool all the people all the time.

Freedom of thought and expression is the lifeblood of democracy and it needs to be affirmed when it happens within the ANC.