Business Day
*Independent thinking within ANC* *Sandile Memela, Letters, Business Day, 7 February 2011*Raymond Louw may be correct that some members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) reveal a tame and timid face that lacks independence of mind (Board members cannot serve the broadcaster and ANC, February 3).
But it is incorrect and illogical to make the assertion 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 free media in history.
These individuals will 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, Alex la Guma, Mzala Nxumalo, Pallo Jordan and Joel Netshitenzhe, to name a few.
Without defending the calibre of Lumko Mtimde, there is a vibrant tradition of independent thinking and individual self-determination that has been passed on to younger ANC members.
A reading of Mr Mtimde's answers to the SABC interviewing panel should also entertain the idea that he is determined not only to assert his independence of thought but commit to nurturing freedom of expression and independent thinking in the media.
Where there is no encouragement and affirmation of individuals who are willing to prove that they can be members of the ANC 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 own integrity and destabilise society.
Relatively young men like Mr Mtimde deserve the benefit of the doubt that has been given to his fellow comrade and business executive, John Danana, for instance.
If we cannot apply the same standards to judging members of the same party, it becomes easy to suspect a vindictive agenda which says only those who come from business circles should be given the benefit of the doubt.
What I wish to propose here is encouraging the view that it is possible to be a member of the ANC and enjoy independence of mind.
At present, there are far too many men and women who sit on ANC- appointed boards for personal accomplishment and cautious adjustment to clandestine instructions. For this society, especially public entities, to be what it ought to be, let us not prejudge ANC members who claim independence of thought, but let their actions do the talking.
History is the best judge. Also, they cannot fool all the people all the time. *Sandile Memela Midrand* *From: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=133569* ** -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] .
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