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JOHANNESBURG. — African National Congress secretary-general Gwede Mantashe urged party members, who were “defending” their headquarters from #OccupyLuthuliHouse protesters, to refrain from violence.
“Do not give them publicity; allow this to fizzle out. Do not give them airtime — they must pay for their airtime,” Mantashe told supporters shortly after receiving a memorandum from the organisers of the campaign.
He was escorted by the MKMVA’s Kebby Maphatsoe and ANCYL president Collen Maine.
The security detail around the three made up of police and MKMVA members had to fight off ANC supporters who went to the party’s headquarters in defence of their leadership.
Some members of the ANC had attempted to stop Mantashe from receiving the memorandum, claiming it would set a precedent. Mantashe cautioned members against attempting to attack those who took a stand against the party.
“If we allow the ANC to be swallowed by certain groups — then we will have no organisation. You are depriving the ANC from hearing the simple voices by blocking these people from giving their memorandum.”
Mantashe also thanked supporters for coming out to defend Luthuli House.
“You have done what you should do, you have defended your organisation, you have defended your headquarters . . . . that is good enough,” he said.
Mantashe said he did not want a situation where the media would report that there was bloodshed outside the ANC headquarters.
“Don’t try to beat them . . . don’t give hooligans free airtime comrades. I am appealing to you.”
As Mantashe made his way back to the headquarters, surrounded by MKMVA members, small scuffles, pushing and shoving broke out as the group moved through the streets. — News24.
Wenslus Murape
Online Reporter