Disgraced ANC leaders should step down: Motlanthe
Former ANC deputy president Kgalema Montlanthe says that disgraced leaders in the party should own up to their mistakes and step down from their positions.
He was speaking to the City Press in an exclusive interview, in which he was openly critical of the party and its many political missteps in recent years.
According to Montlanthe, ANC leaders need to acknowledge when they are wrong, and have the conscience to step down to avoid further discrediting the party.
He also said he believe that it is time for younger members to take over the party and, and for older members to make space for them.
The politician’s comments come amid renewed calls for President Jacob Zuma to step down for a number of reasons – chiefly his move to fire former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene.
Montlanthe alluded that the calls were warranted.
“When we lower the bar, we settle for the lowest option…in terms of the national cause, you don’t have to play politics about it,” he was quoted saying.
Referring to politicians and the scandals that follow them, the former deputy said that politicians should be guided by their conscience – and that once an image has been tainted, you can no longer hold others to account.
“You can’t be a leader exercising leadership, and guide others and hold them accountable, if you have no ability to do so yourself,” he said.
“It’s all about what your conscience tells you. You will remain compromised unless you own u and take responsibility for it.”
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