5th June, 2018
South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), will reprimand the party leaders for insulting president Ramaphosa on social media.
Pule Mabe, ANC national spokesperson, said they view the insults on the party and country’s president on social media seriously.
This comes after an ANC member, mayor of Dihlabeng local municipality Lindiwe Kambule Makhalema posted on facebook saying President Rmaphosa is a “sellout”.
Mabe said recently they came up with the party social media policy which allows members to have freedom of expression but operate within the discipline and policies of their party.
“We have impressed upon the Gauteng and Free State provincial executive committees to institute disciplinary processes against the instigators of disunity within the organisation, without delay.
“This is specifically with reference to the mayor of Dihlabeng local municipality who publicly insulted President Ramaphosa,” said Mabe.
Mabe said the ANC media policy prescribes that any social media posting be legal, ethical and respectful at all times.
The social media postings must be to advance debates and discussions in a rational and responsible manner.
He stated that there should be no personal attacks and insults on social media.
There has been some debates in the country about the regulation of the social media.