When the South African ruling party, the National African Congress (ANC) mooted the idea of South Africa withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), many were dismayed, saddened and shocked. How could the icon of liberation in Africa act this way?

The Daily Telegram October 11th, 2015 quoted Obed Bapela, head of ANC’s international relations commission saying: “They would rather put their own interests first than the world's interests, and as a result of that, the commission and the NGC has just confirmed that the national interest policy must be fast-tracked in Parliament so that the nation can comment on it.” Whose interests are these if not those of a kit and caboodle of government officials? Methinks the interests of South Africans should come first.

South Africa has been a key player in Africa’s and global issues. She is the second biggest economy after Nigeria. So, too, her history of struggle against inhumane regime is an asset that would have guided the ANC in reaching a decision. While many would think that the South Africa would encourage other African countries to stay in the ICC to create a good rapport in the realpolitik of the world, others think that the ANC`s bid to withdraw the country from the ICC was informed by the ANC`s bid to shift attention from the party`s corruption and incompetent rule.

I wonder, if –let say –we reverse the clock and see some apartheid top brass before the ICC charged for crimes against humanity for the many years they mismanaged south Africa, would the ANC take the same stance? South Africa is supposed to be a leader in the quest for justice and human rights in the continent and in the world. Did the ANC underscore the negative impact that such a misguided step would cause to South Africa?

South Africa must rethink her stance on the ICC. South Africans should stand up and oppose machinations that aim at portraying the country in bad light. The ICC is still a valid entity as far as combating crimes against humanity is concerned. It pains beyond imagination when the oppressed of yesterday becomes the oppressor of today. The ANC must restrain itself from being a letdown as far as South Africa is concerned.

By Nkwazi Mhango

Mhango is a Tanzanian living in Canada. He is a Journalist, Teacher, Human Rights activist and member of the Writers' Association of New Foundland.