Free State ANCWL chairperson cautiously echoed Naledi Pandor’s sentiments, adding that women are ready to lead the ANC
By: Abigail Visagie
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) in the Free State has thrown its weight behind party veteran Naledi Pandor, following her hard-hitting remarks about the state of the organisation.
The former international relations minister declared that the ANC has lost its former glory, adding that South Africans now view the once-revered liberation movement with “disdain, horror and shame”.
In response to Pandor’s remarks, Free State ANCWL provincial chairperson Connie Msibi said the growing leadership of women at provincial and regional levels underscores Pandor’s point that women in the organisation must reclaim the ANC’s lost glory and historic mission.
“Each of us has our own way of presenting issues, so I won’t say whether Comrade Pandor was right or wrong.
“But as South African women, we are ready to lead. We must reclaim both our historic mission and the organisation’s glory,” said Msibi on the sidelines of the restoration of the tombstone of the late anti-apartheid activist Moipone Motabolapasa Motlhakwana in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, on Friday.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of erstwhile ANCWL president Gertrude Shope last Sunday, Pandor openly criticised her own party and urged her comrades to concede that the party has become a shadow of its former self.
“We have lost our glory, let’s not pretend about it. The people are looking at us with disdain. The people are looking at us with horror and shame.
“Comrades, this is our biggest fault line,” proclaimed Pandor.
She added that Shope would have insisted that the ANC, its Women’s League, and the Youth League need selfless, committed members who prioritise service to the people above all else.
These remarks ultimately drew mixed reactions from members within the party. While some call for retribution, other prominent figures within the party contrarily believe Pandor’s critique prompts the party to do some introspection.
ANC national executive committee member, Bernice Swarts, holds the view that Pandor’s account of the state of the ANC is more directed at branches and not individuals. Swart calls for greater accountability from the party’s leadership.
“If you are a leader and don’t provide solutions, you cannot claim to be leading earnestly. When people present challenges, it is your responsibility to respond with solutions,” Swarts said.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula further absolved Pandor, asserting that there was nothing wrong with what she said given the context of her remarks.
“She spoke as a veteran, at a veterans’ event, and I am proud of her,” Mbalula responded when quizzed about Pandor’s statements at the ANC political environment and current developments media briefing on 26 August 2025.
He continued: “She was simply reaffirming ANC principles on a public platform, reminding members of the standards expected of them.
“Her words were fitting for the event held in honour of Mama Gertrude Shope,” stated Mbalula.
