Issued by African National Congress
12 January 2000
The ANC notes with interest the retirement of Roelf Meyer from active politics after 21 years in the game.
While Roelf was always seated in opposition to the ANC, he was respected by the movement, especially for his efforts in the negotiating process.
It is a pity that he has taken this decision to resign, particularly as he is still young and has much to offer the nation. The country needs sober politicians such as him at this point in time. Unfortunately, he too often took the wrong alternatives ultimately resulting in this action.
Roelf Meyer's resignation is indicative of the continued frustration building up in the UDM resulting from lack of vision and a common programme. A party can not be formed and built around hate and opportunism or be constituted of disaffected, ambitious, self-serving and ill-disciplined individuals, and be expected to succeed.
The ANC foresaw the breaking up of the UDM and prophesised that the party would not last. Roelf Meyer's resignation confirms this.
The UDM is sick and, as if it suffered from leprosy, the party is beginning to fall apart.
Issued by the ANC Head of Presidency, Smuts Ngonyama
Department of Communications
African National Congress