African National Congress (ANC) veteran and former cabinet minister Dr Naledi Pandor says it’s time her party scrutinises leaders of its structures before putting them in positions of power.

Pandor was speaking at the memorial lecture of former ANC stalwart Gertrude Shope, who would’ve turned 100 years old this month.

The ANC Veteran says her party must now wake up and smell the coffee when it comes to the calibre of its leaders.

“The ANC and its women’s league and youth league require selfless, committed leaders for the people,” says Pandor.

For Pandor, all is not lost as long as the ANC goes back to basics. “It is possible, comrades, to restore the glory,” she adds.

She says some ANC leaders have forgotten that they’ve been voted into these positions to serve the people of South Africa

VIDEO | Gertrude Shope memorial lecture | Dr Naledi Pandor tribute speech

She also called for bravery by putting South Africa and the African continent first in the geopolitical arena.

The former cabinet minister believes the decline of her party in the hearts of many South Africans is a result of leaders placing themselves before the organisation.

She believes the late stalwart would have welcomed the National Dialogue. “She would have welcomed the initiative of the National Dialogue, all South Africans

The ANC Women’s League has vowed to ensure that what liberation stalwarts like Gertrude Shope stood for lives on, no matter the difficulties.

VIDEO | Pandor pays tribute to Gertrude Shope