African National Congress Veterans League (ANCVL) deputy president Mavuso Msimang has cut ties with the ANC after six decades as a member, saying that the party is on the verge of losing power.

Msimang's resignation letter to secretary-general Fikile Mbalula comes after Mbalula lambasted the veterans for de-campaigning the party.

In the letter, Msimang painted a grim picture of the state of affairs in South Africa as part of his reasons for walking away from his political home. 

"The ANC has been wracked by endemic corruption, with devastating consequences on the governance of the country and the lives of poor people, of whom there continue to be so many," Msimang wrote.

After three decades in power, the ANC's track record of corruption was the cause of great shame, he said.

"The corruption we once decried is now part of our movement's DNA. This has had dire consequences for the most vulnerable members of our society," Msimang added.

The veteran, who was elected as ANC Veterans League deputy president in July 2023, did not hold back and ripped into the party's leadership. 

"Consequently, I have realised that my time and energies would be better spent elsewhere. Even as I painfully sever ties with my once glorious organisation, I shall continue to keep a vigil over any and all matters pertaining to governance in the country.

"It is not easy to leave an organisation that continues to be home to some of the most dedicated individuals I have had the good fortune, honour and privilege to call comrades. But it is time to go," he wrote.

ANC Veterans League spokesperson Snuki Zikalala accepted Msimang's resignation on Wednesday night.

Zikalala said Msimang's departure was "regrettable".

"Regrettably, Cde Mavuso Msimang, the deputy president of the ANCVL has decided to resign from the ANC. His resignation is acknowledged," Zikalala said. 

He added that it was equally regrettable that Mbalula had accused veterans of de-campaigning the party ahead of the 2024 elections.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Mbalula said: "They attack the ANC and de-campaign us when we are facing challenging issues. If there is anywhere where we err as leaders, we are available, even at midnight."