Naledi Pandor Says ANC Needs Selfless Leaders To Restore Its Lost Glory, SA Says It’s Too Late
- Naledi Pandor has shared her thoughts on the state of the African National Congress (ANC) and what needs to change
- The party has lost a lot of support in recent years over the conduct of numerous members who find themselves in legal trouble
- South Africans were surprised by Pandor's honesty about the ANC, while adding that she was part of the problem
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – South Africans now look upon the African National Congress with disdain.
This is according to Naledi Pandor, who said that the organisation had lost its former glory. The former International Relations and Cooperation Minister made the remarks at a memorial lecture in honour of Gertrude Shope, in Pretoria on Sunday, 24 August 2025.
Shope was a former ANC Women’s League President who passed away in May 2022 at the age of 99.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
What did Pandor say?
Speaking about the party’s current image, Pandor expressed concern, saying that members shouldn’t pretend that the ANC had not lost its glory.
"It is possible, comrades, to restore our lost glory. And 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," she stated.
Pandor added that Shope believed the ANC could still renew itself and prevent further decline. In the 2024 National Elections, the party received 40.2% of the vote, losing its majority share in the National Assembly. It marked a 17-percentage point drop from the previous national elections.
Source: Getty Images
How can the party bounce back?
The former Member of Parliament (MP) Pandor said that the party needed leaders who were selfless, adding that they needed to serve the people if the ANC wanted to regain its majority support.
“We have forgotten that we exist to serve the people, that we exist for the people. We need to bring that back by scrutinising very carefully the leaders that we affirm and by ensuring that if our leaders fail at their duty, whatever position they occupy, we will hold them to account," she said.
The party has come in for extra criticism of late, with numerous members in trouble with the law.
Five ANC members facing legal issues
- The Democratic Alliance laid a charge against Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament.
- Pule Mabe is accused of allegedly irregularly receiving a R27 million tender from the Gauteng Department of Agriculture.
- Senzo Mchunu is currently on special leave following allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanla Mkhwanazi.
- Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will return to court in November 2025, charged with corruption and money laundering.
- Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, is being investigated for fraud and corruption relating to her time as a municipal manager.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users agreed with Pandor’s statement about the party losing its glory, with some amazed that she was honest about the party’s problems.
Nhlanhla Dube stated:
“Finally, someone speaks the truth.”
Nonhlanhla Mthethwa added:
“Let’s wait to see whether she will be called by the disciplinary committee. Nevertheless, she is speaking the truth.”
Mokone Wa Bokone said:
“At least this one has a sense of reality. The others still think they're at 60%.”
Swartboi van Swartie noted:
“She's stating the obvious.”
David Farrell said:
“For 30 years she helped determine the path they were on, now she decides it was the wrong path, imagine that.”
Lucky Njoms claimed:
“Even a blind person can see it.”
Daren Madara stated:
“There are no longer ANC leaders who are selfless. All of them are thugs and looters.”
Prince Ramalia said:
“She was part of the ANC gang that wrecked the country.”
Yolande Pattinson agreed:
“Pandor, you are part of the problem. Your ideas are long out of date. And you were front and centre, watching corruption fester and not saying anything for 30 years. Now, suddenly, you have a conscience.
ANC Women's League advocates for a female president
Briefly News reported that the ANC Women’s League's National Executive Committee (NEC) is advocating for a female president.
The ANCWL wants more women to emulate its former stalwart, Gertrude Shope, who passed away at the age of 99.
South Africans shared their thoughts on the ANCWL's calls, joking about who they would appoint as a candidate.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
