The Brief No 59
12 October 2024
Obed Bapela was the deputy chairperson of international relations sub-committee of the ANC until he was dismissed on 11 October 2024.
The ANC adopted a resolution at its 55th national conference supporting the recognition and self determination of the Saharawi people in the Western Sahara. The ANC regards Morocco as a “colonising power” in Western Sahara.
According to the ANC, Bapela was fired for “failing to explain a trip he undertook to Morocco”.
It is reported that Bapela led a delegation to a meeting with the Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Morocco, Nasser Bourita. During that meeting Bapela encouraged economic relations between SA and Morocco.
He also apparently praised the re-admission of Morocco to the African Union (AU). In 2017 Morocco rejoined the AU after 33 years of absence.
According to the Moroccan Embassy’s website in Pretoria, “as of this very moment, Morocco and South Africa committed themselves to maintain direct contacts and to launch a fruitful economic and political partnership in order to build strong, lasting and stable relations”.
So, what is it exactly that Bapela did to deserve such a swift and harsh reaction from his comrades?
Afrasid is available for analysis and commentary.