(Last Updated on January 12, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lashed out at Zanu-PF, saying it does not like the continued threats and blackmail from Zimbabwe’s ruling party – another sign pointing to the strained relationship between the two sister liberation movement parties.
This follows comments made by the Zanu-PF Director of Information Tafadzwa Mugwadi, who threatened to ‘expose’ the real reason for the visit to Zimbabwe by the ANC delegation last year.
ANC’s national chairman Gwede Mantashe said he does not like the fact that Zanu-PF is always threatening and blackmailing his party while challenging Zanu-PF to expose the so-called bombshell.
“You can’t always have a neighbour that is always blackmailing you. This relationship with Zimbabwe (Zanu PF) is always filled with threats and blackmail. I don’t like that. If Zanu PF wants to spill the beans on our meeting with them, they must. I am eager to hear what they want to spill,” said Mantashe.
South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni also made his feelings known, tweeting: “I wish the President could just allow me nyana to tackle that turncoat @TafadzwaMugwadi @Sophie_Mokoena @tyengeni1954 @pulemabe.”
Mboweni also the relationship was ‘abusive’ and must be stopped.
Mugwadi recently went on a Twitter rant, accusing SABC News journalist Sophie Mokoena of spreading fake news about Zimbabwe and undermining the ruling Zanu-PF and it’s leadership.
He further said ANC and SABC should rein on the journalist or else he will reveal damaging information about South Africa’s ruling party.
Cyril Ramaphosa subsequently came out during an interview and dared Mugwadi to release this information.
However, the Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo later released a statement distancing his party from Mugwadi’s utterances while adding that he (Mugwadi) was to face disciplinary action.