Nathi Nhleko , Former Police Minister
Nathi Nhleko, the former Minister of Police, has announced his resignation from the African National Congress (ANC) in a compelling and detailed resignation letter addressed to the Tolo Fakazi Albertina Sisulu Branch (Ward 29) uMhlathuze Municipality.
Nhleko, who was embroiled in the controversy surrounding the R240 million security upgrades at former President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla residence, has expressed disillusionment with the party’s current trajectory and fundamental shifts away from its founding principles. In his open letter, he addresses the issues that have led to his decision and reflects on his journey with the organisation that once symbolised the struggle for freedom in South Africa.
“Dear Comrades,” Nhleko’s resignation letter begins, “In the recent attack mounted against my person, by a Mr Fikile Mbalula, a Secretary General of the ANC; about what he called ‘my sweating’, ‘the firepool narrative’ and what he called were ‘lies to protect the former President.’ He closed his attack by stating that people lost their careers because of this thing…”
The letter outlines Nhleko’s views on the perceived punitive measures directed towards him by the ANC due to the way he handled the Nkandla investigation, which he believes conflicted with the interests of some party leaders, leading to his marginalisation within the party apparatus.
He continues to address broader issues facing the ANC, including those of economic policy, stating, “It is deeply sad and painful to see the organisation that I loved dearly turning into something I can no longer recognise. The trend of gradually dismantling state-owned enterprises and subsequently privatising them covertly is exemplified by the situation at Transnet.”
Nhleko’s letter criticises the current ANC leadership for embracing a shift towards austerity, alleged privatisation, and a departure from the principles of equalising the economic landscapes for all South Africans. He disapprovingly notes the influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the party’s economic policies, and the lack of trust he perceives the public now has in the ANC.
“We failed comrades! The ANC has been ravaged by our leaders tackling each other on public platforms,” Nhleko states, citing internal discord and public litigation as signs of a party that has lost its way.
The resignation concludes with a heartfelt disappointment in the party’s direction and his inability to further align with its current values and principles. Nhleko thanks the ANC for its past confidence in him and expresses a hope that the party may one day refocus on truly serving the people of South Africa.
