By SHUPING SEBOLECWE

17 April 2025- Pardon me for I did not speak in time! O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, North West. Fellow comrades and compatriots, allow me to address a matter that weighs heavily in my heart, the hearts and minds of many in the North West.

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

It is no secret that the African National Congress (ANC), once a beacon of hope and progress, is facing a profound crisis in our region. This piece is not simply a critique of the current state of the ANC in the North West.

It is a call to action for all of us who are deeply invested in the future of our province. Let us take a moment to reflect on the spirit that once animated the ANC. This organization was born out of struggle and sacrifice. 

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

The ANC was built on the foundations of unity, justice, and the relentless pursuit of equality. We celebrated victories together. We stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to challenge the injustices of our past. But today, the branches of the ANC in North West are virtually non-existent.

This is not just a structural failure. This is a failure of vision and leadership. It is disheartening to see that there is little to no work being done in the province. A once revolutionary house, Getrude Mphekwa is in shambles in the presence of the ANC leadership in the province, shame on you.

The absence of active branches means that our voices are muffled. It means that our concerns are not being heard. The very organization that once championed our rights now seems disconnected from the grassroots reality of our communities.

The frustration among ANC members is palpable. It echoes through the streets, in our homes, and in the hearts of our people.

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

We must ask ourselves why this is happening. How did we arrive at this point where the ANC, a once formidable force, is now struggling to maintain relevance in our province? The answers lie in a combination of neglect, disillusionment, and a failure to engage meaningfully with the people.

The leadership has become distant, focused more on internal power struggles than on the needs of the community. The discontent is not just limited to party members.

It spills over into the general populace. Citizens are seeking answers. They are looking for leaders who will listen, who will act, and who will restore faith in our political system.

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

We cannot afford to ignore the voices of the people any longer. The silence of our leaders is deafening. It is a silence that speaks of betrayal, a silence that reflects a lost connection with those who put their trust in the ANC. Now, as we stand at this crossroads, we must decide what legacy we want to build for the future of the North West.

The demise of the ANC does not have to be our fate. We can reclaim our party and restore its purpose. We can reignite the spirit of activism and engagement that once defined us.

But this requires a collective effort. It requires us to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency and action. We must mobilize at the grassroots level. We must rejuvenate our branches and ensure they are active vehicles for change.

There is no time to waste. We need to engage with our communities and listen to their stories. We must be their champions, advocating for their needs and aspirations. In this way, we can begin to restore faith in the ANC as a transformative force in the North West.

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

Additionally, we must prioritize the rebuilding of trust. Trust is not given freely. It must be earned through consistent actions and genuine commitment to the people we serve.

 We need leaders who are not just politicians, but community servants. Leaders, who will walk the streets, engage in dialogue and work tirelessly to uplift the lives of our citizens.

Let us also remember that the power to change does not rest solely with our leaders. It is in our hands as members of the ANC and as citizens of North West. We need to be proactive. We need to challenge the status quo and advocate for the changes we want to see.

We must create spaces for dialogue, where our concerns can be voiced and addressed. The journey ahead will not be easy because others are carrying money in their bags and boots of their expensive cars.

We will face resistance such as gate keeping. But history has shown us that when people come together with a shared purpose, change is not just possible. It is inevitable. ANC members must have the strength of collective will. We have the resilience of our communities.

We must harness this energy to revive the ANC in the North West and ensure it is a force for good. We owe it to our forebears just to name a few, Moses Mauane Kotane, “Uncle” John Beaver Marks, Mama Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Abram Onkgopotse Tiro, Mme Gertrude Mphekwa, Ntate Molefi Sefularo.

Pardon me for not speaking in time!

Let us not be passive witnesses to the demise of the ANC in our province. Let us be active participants in its revival. Together, we can create a new narrative.

A narrative rooted in accountability, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the people we represent and enact, “Through the eye of the needle”. The future of the ANC and the future of North West depend on us. Let us rise to the occasion and be part of the ANC renewal programme and reclaim our legacy.

Amandla ase Masebeni.

(Note: The article is written by Shuping Daddy Sebolecwe, who is a member of ANC in good-standing in Ward 28, Mahikeng. He wrote this article in his personal capacity and the content does not represent The Guardian newspaper and its associates.  The views in the article remain of the author and The Guardian newspaper does not agree nor disagree with it.)