ANC Calls Out the “Blatant Racist Nationalism” of the EFF

The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a statement saying it rejects Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Chief Whip Floyd Shivambu’s “racist and narrow nationalist diatribe with the deepest contempt it deserves”.

This statement goes a step further than an earlier one from the ANC Chief Whip, which had said Shivambu’s comment about National Treasury Official Ishmail Momoniat “borders on racism”.

Shivambu uttered the offensive comment at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance in South Africa yesterday, where he allegedly objected to Momoniat presenting before the committee on the basis of him being a “non-African”.

On Wednesday night, the ANC’s Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte said: “These comments are bordering on extreme racism, sow disunity and are an anathema to our agenda of forging a socially cohesive society.

“I have known Comrade Momo Momoniat for over four decades and whilst I may differ sharply with some of his views on our economy’s developmental state, I could never stand aloof and allow him to be asked to leave a meeting because he is an Indian.”

The ANC statement says the “blatant racist and narrow nationalist stance of the EFF is perhaps the only positive element of the irrational tirade by Shivhambu. His rant raises significant questions about the level of some Members of Parliament‘s comprehension of their responsibilities, to protect and defend the Constitution, particularly, the assertion that we build a non-racial, non-sexist and united Democratic South Africa.”

Duarte said: “Comrade Momo is not and never will be racist and I say this without fear of contradiction, if anything, he is known to have been part of the underground struggle which afforded the Shivhambus of this world, the freedom to express their opinions albeit from a non-informed position. Momo is well known for showering every person with accolades or disdain in equal measure, irrespective of colour, class or creed.”