News

ANC on a Path of Renewal – Duarte

Written by Mfundo on 11 May, 2021

By: Mfundo Mabaso

ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte says the NEC recommitted itself to the mandate of the 54th National Conference to restore the unity, renewal and integrity despite challenges.

Duarte has been briefing media on the outcomes of the ANC NEC meeting held over the weekend.

This follows the implementation of the step aside resolution to the party’s Secretary General, Ace Magashule, who has been temporarily suspended until the final outcome of his court proceedings.

In KZN, Provincial Deputy Chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu stepped aside voluntarily as he is facing charges of alleged corruption relating to the R28 million that the provincial government spent on the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2012.

Duarte says the NEC reflected on its modus operandi and the conduct of NEC members, they’ve agreed to adhere to organisational protocols and practices, including collective leadership, the promotion of unity and renewal, and strict adherence to the ANC’s communications protocol.

“The NEC agreed to hold a retreat as soon as conditions permit to address varying perspectives among the leadership and develop a practical action plan to strengthen the process of unity and renewal of the movement, premised on core values of the ANC and the mandate derived from the 54th National Conference,” she says.

Meanwhile, Duarte says the NEC expressed concern about a concerted and well-resourced campaign to sow division and confusion in the ANC, with the ultimate aim to destroy the movement as an instrument for progressive transformation and change.

This follows audio leaks of the party’s executive meetings, deviant public pronouncements, protests and misinformation on social media.

The party says these campaigns are actively aided by a few individuals from within the NEC.

On the step aside policy, Duarte says there has to be an end to the delay in prosecution regarding people who charged with criminality.

She says the law is affecting the work of the organisation because members cannot continue to be active in the party while facing charges, and has emphasized that only when they have been cleared of all the charges than they can resume with duties.