“They add insult to injury” — Carl Niehaus blasts ANC over Nathi Mthethwa’s funeral show

TheTabernaclestudio.opera.comEFF member and outspoken political activist Carl Niehaus has launched a scathing attack on the African National Congress (ANC), accusing the ruling party of hypocrisy in how it treats its members, particularly in times of tragedy. Niehaus expressed his anger and “nauseating disgust” at what he described as a “show” being put up by the ANC at the homestead of the late ambassador and former minister Nathi Mthethwa.

“I am watching the show that the ANC is putting up at the Mthethwa homestead with pain and nauseating disgust,” Niehaus said. “I have said so before, and let me say so again: The ANC is a monster that destroys and devours its own children, and then when they have descended into the depths of despair and destruction — and are finally gone — add insult to injury with cynical, insincere platitudes.”

Niehaus, who was expelled from the ANC in 2022 before joining the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has remained one of the party’s most vocal critics. His remarks come as ANC leaders and government officials prepare for the funeral of Mthethwa, who passed away last week after a long career in public service.

Niehaus suggested that the party’s mourning gestures were politically motivated rather than genuine. “I truly feel for Nathi Mthethwa’s wife and family who have to go through all of this,” he added, implying that the public tributes from ANC leaders were an attempt to sanitize the same institution that had sidelined or mistreated its own members.

His comments have sparked strong debate online, with some supporting his stance and accusing the ANC of turning funerals into political theatre, while others condemned him for politicising a moment of national mourning.

Political analysts note that Niehaus’s remarks reflect ongoing tensions between former ANC members and the party’s current leadership, as internal divisions and allegations of betrayal continue to surface.As the nation prepares to bid farewell to Mthethwa, Niehaus’s remarks add a layer of controversy to what was meant to be a solemn occasion of remembrance.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story — and remember to like, comment, share, and follow for more political news and analysis from across South Africa.