It is a well-known fact that the African National Congress (ANC) is the oldest liberation movement on the African continent. Globally recognized, the ANC was built by selfless and visionary leaders who were committed to building a non-racial, inclusive, and democratic South Africa.
Among these leaders were Chief Albert Luthuli, Govan Mbeki, John Langalibalele Dube, Dorothy Nyembe, Winnie Mandela, Ruth First, Nelson Mandela, Mangaliso Sobukwe, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Hector Pieterson, Tsietsi Mashinini, Themba Harry Gwala, Solomon Mahlangu, Fezile Dabi, Chris Hani, Steve Bantu Biko, Alfred Nzo, Ahmed Kathrada – and many others whose sacrifices form the bedrock of our freedom.
These leaders gave everything – some their very lives – to ensure a free and just society. They were harassed, imprisoned without trial, detained unlawfully, assassinated, and their families targeted. Their struggle gave birth to the democratic rights we enjoy today: freedom of speech, association, and the right to choose our leaders.
Importantly, they built systems within the ANC designed to uphold integrity and protect the organisation from corruption and individual greed. These included democratic structures from branches to the National Executive Committee, and disciplinary committees to safeguard the movement’s values.
But over time, these values have been betrayed.
The Rise and Fall of the ANC’s Moral Authority
After 1994, under the leadership of President Nelson Mandela, the ANC led South Africa into an era of healing and inclusivity. Government institutions were built to serve all, and the spirit of nation-building was strong. The ANC was growing and widely supported across racial lines.
However, after the landslide victory of 1999, arrogance began to replace humility. ANC leaders began declaring that the ANC would govern “until Jesus returns.” They stopped listening to the people. The organisation started to turn inward, treating the public as a burden rather than a constituency.
Corruption crept in. The ANC began to cannibalise itself. Power struggles replaced service. Comrades turned against comrades, often violently, in battles for positions and control of state resources. Democratic processes were manipulated. Patronage overtook patriotism.
These internal crises spilled into society. Electoral support declined. The ANC lost the Western Cape, then key metros and municipalities in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. And now, for the first time, it has lost its national majority.
The Birth and Betrayal of the MK Party
As long-standing members of the ANC who believed in its founding mission, we sought change from within. When those efforts were stifled, we joined the formation of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) – not to settle personal scores, but to revive the original values of the liberation struggle.
We, the undersigned –
Thanduxolo “Gorbachev” Dyodo, Founding Secretary General
Ntseki McDonald Mathabe, Founding National Organiser –
committed ourselves to building an alternative rooted in principle, not personality.
We worked with many comrades, including President Jacob Zuma, out of a shared hope for renewal.
But it became clear: the MK Party had become a private project.
Despite our efforts to raise internal concerns respectfully, we were met with resistance. We proposed reforms and collective leadership. President Zuma’s response was clear: “This is my MK. It belongs to me and my family. Your MK died with Mandela in 1993.”
That was the moment of reckoning. We realized we could no longer betray our people by remaining silent or complicit.
Our Apology to the Nation
To our people – elders, youth, traditional leaders, healers, churches, and communities – we sincerely apologise. We campaigned across the country for MKP, believing it would restore dignity to our people. We now see that it has instead become a vehicle for personal interest.
As sons and daughters of this soil, we say:
“Akulahleki mbeleko ngokufelwa” – we do not abandon the child because the mother has died.
Introducing UMBUTHO WABANTU – The People’s Organisation
After careful consultation with comrades, civil society, traditional leaders, and community members, we resolved to form a new political home — Umbutho Wabantu.
Umbutho Wabantu means:
- Mokgatlo wa Batho in Sesotho
- Dzangano la Vhathu in Tshivenda
- Organisasie van die Mense in Afrikaans
- Organisation of the People in English
This is a movement by the people, for the people, and with the people.
We call on all South Africans to take ownership of this organisation. Let us rebuild trust, dignity, service, and values. Let us be the architects of a brighter, people-centred future.
Path Forward: National Elective Conference and Structural Building
In honouring our commitment to transparency and democracy, Umbutho Wabantu will host its first National Elective Conference in December 2025 or February 2026, depending on the progress of provincial, regional, and branch structures.
We are returning to the basics:
- Building strong branches
- Empowering local leadership
- Ensuring accountability and democratic participation
Final Word
Our people’s strength is not in one man – but in their collective will. The light at the end of this long tunnel still burns. Let us walk toward it.
AMANDLA WABANTU AWAPHELI.
THE PEOPLE SHALL GOVERN.
INFO SUPPLIED.
