Johannesburg - Attempts by two warring factions of the ANC military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association and the MK National Council, to unite have fallen flat.
A press briefing hosted by the groups in Johannesburg on Monday was repeatedly disrupted by disgruntled members.
A man who identified himself as Kid Soguvu was carried out by security personnel after he demanded that MK Veterans steering committee General Siphiwe Nyanda tell him how his comrade and fellow combatant Nokuthula Simelane died during the struggle for freedom.
Moments later, two other MKMVA members shouted that there would be no special conference as nothing had been done for the MK.
The organisations had sought to put up a united front, following recent public spats which included MKMVA national chairperson Kebby Mapatshoe calling the stalwarts "empty tins",
The leaders told reporters they were ready to act as one – with the sole purpose of preserving the struggle, heritage and legacy of the ANC.
"All of us, as former members of MK in good standing, pledge to do everything in our power to discourage and combat factionalism in the ANC," Nyanda said.
He explained the parties had agreed that there was a need to strengthen its ranks at a national council last December and also during meetings held last week.
The talks included the decision to hold a joint MKMVA conference preparatory team that will work towards uniting all former MK members so that they can make meaningful contributions to the ANC's milestones throughout the years.
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