Obed Bapela, member of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) and vice-chairman of the party's international relations sub-committee. (Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS)
Obed Bapela, a member of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) and vice-chairman of the party's international relations subcommittee, has been dismissed from his post for lying about his and the party's position on Western Sahara during a visit to Morocco.
Mr Bapela clearly called for increased economic cooperation between South Africa and Morocco and supported the country's reintegration into the African Union.
According to a letter from the ANC Secretary-General's Office, Mr Bapela is accused of misrepresenting the trip as an ANC-sanctioned visit and falsely representing himself as part of an official ANC delegation.
His actions came under scrutiny for contradicting his party's position on Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara.
The ANC has long supported the Saharawi people's right to self-determination and condemned Morocco's occupation of Western Sahara. The party considers this a violation of international law and is calling for the implementation of a United Nations resolution calling for a Sahrawi referendum.
Bapela initially insisted the visit was personal.
In a statement released on Friday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri said Mr Bapela spoke about the meeting in Morocco and why his actions should not be seen as a violation of ANC policies and principles. He said that he had failed to provide a comprehensive explanation of the
“[This raised] “There are serious questions about his judgment and commitment to the values of the movement,” she said.
“As a result, the ANC would like to inform you that Comrade Obed Bapela has been relieved of his duties as vice-chairman and member of the ANC NEC sub-committee on international relations,” Bhengu Motsili said.
In addition to his dismissal, the ANC Secretary-General referred the matter for possible disciplinary action due to Mr. Bapela's failure to comply with the resolutions of the ANC's 55th National Conference and previous mandates. did.
“His comments are categorically contrary to the letter and spirit of our 55th National Conference resolution, cause confusion in our policy position on Western Sahara, and threaten to undermine our allies, including the Polisario Front and the Saharawi Republic government. It caused unrest in the fraternity,” Bengu Motsili said.
She acknowledged that Mr Bapela had spoken out in support of stronger economic ties with Morocco, despite Morocco's “illegal occupation” of Western Sahara.
“The ANC has a long-standing position based on the principle of solidarity with the people of Western Sahara, based on anti-colonialism and a commitment to the right to self-determination,” Mr Bhengu-Motsili said.
Senior members are expected to fully understand the importance of their role in upholding the principles of the ANC and to act with morality and discipline, she said.
“This incident is a reminder of the responsibility placed on all ANC members to uphold the party's principles both in word and deed,” said Mr Bhengu-Motsili.
Mr. Bapela could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.