ANC says Obed Bapela not mandated by party or govt to represent SA in Morocco

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) said its member, Obed Bapela, was not mandated by the party or government to represent the country in Morocco.

Bapela travelled to Morocco last Monday and met with the country's foreign minister regarding strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

This was in contradiction to the ANC and government's foreign policy stance, which supports the sovereignty of Western Sahara, currently under occupation by Morocco.

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Following the visit, Bapela was removed from the ANC's sub-committee on international relations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC's 100 days celebration on Monday, Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane said that Bapela was out of line.

"What we want to remain on, is to be consistent with what we stand for. Nobody last week was sent to go and speak on behalf of the ANC. We can’t betray the people of Western Sahara, nor can we misrepresent the ANC."