AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
THE ANC has admitted that it was wrong to fly to Zimbabwe on a political mission in a government plane and has pledged to pay back the costs of the flight.
The South African governing party also said it was not right for the delegation to violate COVID-19 regulations of no international travel.
In a statement, ANC spokesman Pule Mabe said the ANC delegation, in its quest to help find a solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe ”travelled in an unusual manner.”
“We profusely humble ourselves where we went wrong during the lockdown and will reimburse the government for the costs incurred on behalf of our delegation. Our delegation is under quarantine in line with our lockdown regulations,” Mabe said.
The ANC delegation, led by secretary-general Ace Magashule, met with the ruling Zanu-PF in Harare.
The ANC’s admission of wrongdoing and its pledge to reimburse the state came as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa studied a report from Defence Minister Nosiziwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who gave the ANC delegation a lift in a government aircraft.
Mapisa-Nqakula submitted the report after Ramaphosa, stung by criticism from opposition parties and civil society, gave her 48 hours to provide an explanation.
The ANC declared that its meeting with the ZANU-PF delegation was a success.
“The ANC therefore warmly welcomes the constructive approach of ZANU-PF with regards to the ANC meeting with other stakeholders, opposition parties, and civil society organisations in Zimbabwe. In this regard, it was agreed that the ANC will in the foreseeable future return to Zimbabwe in order to proceed with these envisaged meetings.”
The party said it, along with its Zimbabwean counterpart, remains committed to the protection of human rights on the continent.
