INTRODUCTION
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC met on 8 – 9 December 2019 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
The NEC conducted its deliberations in a spirit of unity and common purpose of providing decisive leadership and solutions to the social and economic challenges facing our country and implementing resolutions of the 54th National Conference and the ANC Election Manifesto.
Passing of Comrade Ben Turok
The NEC was saddened to receive the news of the passing on of one of its stalwarts, Comrade Ben Turok at the age of 92. The NEC observed a moment of silence in memory of Cde Turok for his role in the struggle against apartheid and his contribution to the building of a united, non-racial, non-sexist democratic and prosperous South Africa. The NEC conveyed the condolences of the movement to the Turok family.
The NEC noted with concern the destruction and disruption caused by floods, especially in Gauteng, as well as the devastating effect of drought in parts of the Eastern Cape. We also commend leaders in government for the speed with which they have acted in visiting citizens in the affected areas and co-ordinating relief efforts. The NEC urged all the relevant structures in government to provide speedy and effective relief.
The NEC expressed deep concern regarding the social and economic impact of the resumption of load-shedding by ESKOM, especially on jobs, households and small businesses, and called on government to outline steps that are being taken to address the situation.
The NEC discussions focused on unemployment, especially amongst young people; challenges in state-owned enterprises, South African Airways (SAA) and ESKOM in particular; challenges in local government; and combatting gender-based violence.
The NEC welcomed efforts made to work with all social partners to accelerate implementation of the actions agreed upon at the Presidential Job Summit to create jobs and curb job losses.
Furthermore, the NEC welcomed the holding of a second successful Presidential Investment Summit, and the need to translate these investments into jobs, and improved quality of life and a radically transformed economy for the majority of South Africans as pronounced by the 54th National Conference.
The NEC urged government to implement the plan announced by the President to combat gender-based violence. The NEC further made a call to all its structures, alliance partners and civil society to work together to combat the scourge to of gender-based violence.
The NEC congratulated the newly crowned Miss Universe, Ms Zozibini Tunzi and further expressed its appreciation for the manner in which she represented South Africa and acted as advocate in the struggle against gender inequality, gender-based violence and femicide, and for the development and empowerment of women and the girl-child.
STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES (SOEs)
The NEC noted with concern the situation confronting critical state-owned enterprises and the need to ensure that they play their role in the economy and meet our nation’s developmental goals.
The NEC received a report on the situation at South African Airways and commended the decisive intervention by the President of the Republic to save SAA through the business rescue option, as well as the consultation process that preceded the decision.
The NEC agreed that the challenges faced by our SOEs require a comprehensive approach, as well as bold and creative solutions that give effect to the resolutions of National Conference which states:
“The main purpose of SOC’s is to operationalise the broad socio-economic development plans of government.
Firm action is required to improve the governance and performance of SOC’s by ensuring the appointment of skilled staff and qualified board members and protecting public institutions from improper interference”.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The NEC noted the impact of sharpened contradictions within and between the DA and other opposition parties playing themselves out in the Johannesburg, Tshwane and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metros.
The NEC welcomed the election of the ANC Executive Mayor in the City of Johannesburg, Comrade Geoff Makhubo, and the appointment of an inclusive Mayoral Committee which demonstrates commitment to a working coalition. The NEC urges the newly-elected leadership to speed up service delivery and ensure that the people of Johannesburg receive quality services.
Political management of the situation in metropolitan municipalities will be co-ordinated by the Secretary General’s Office with a team consisting of the Treasurer General, Cdes Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Nomvula Mokonyane, Phumulo Masualle and David Masondo.
The NEC urged ANC provincial executive committees and deployees in government to take the necessary steps to intervene in and to support these municipalities.
The NEC reaffirmed support for the implementation of the District Development Model and stressed the importance of active participation by ANC structures and communities. The NEC urged all its structures and deployees to implement the decisions of the Special NEC on Local Government held in September designed to strengthen local government.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL
The ANC has made a detailed submission to Parliament on the National Health Insurance Bill. In addition, the ANC has also tabled a request to make an oral submission.
The ANC is confident that NHI will deliver accessible, quality and affordable healthcare to all citizens irrespective of their socio-economic status or ability to pay. The ANC proceeds from the premise that healthcare is a human right and not a privilege reserved for a few. Access to healthcare must depend on people’s health needs and not their socio-economic status. The NEC calls on all its structures, the Alliance and Mass Democratic Movement structures to mobilize people in support of the NHI.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The NEC noted the continued advance of rightwing nationalism, the destabilization of progressive governments, attempts at unconstitutional change of government, the intensification of the Israeli onslaught against the Palestinian people, and the actions of Morocco against Western Sahara. The ANC is committed to international solidarity as a disciplined force of the left.
The NEC noted that South Africa will be assuming the role of African Union Chairperson next year and will focus on silencing the guns on the continent and the empowerment of women.
ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS
The NEC reaffirmed the important role of ANC structures, especially branches, the Alliance, and the MDM, in uniting, organizing and mobilising the broadest range of forces to address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa.
Interventions in the North West
The NEC noted progress in stabilising and rebuilding the organisation in the North West after the appointment of an Interim Provincial Committee. The NEC commended the support given to the North West by the SGO, in particular in the run up to municipality-wide by-elections in Mamusa Local Municipality on 15 January 2020. In giving effect to the continued political stability in the Province of the North West having observed organizational work done to strengthen and build functional structures that are capable to respond and provide solutions from time to time, the NEC further resolved to reinstate the Regional Task Team of the Bojanala Region. Further that the SGO should work closely with the North West IPC to deepen unity and renewal in the province and to ensure that all Task Teams are properly reinforced to deliver on their mandate well within the desired time frames.
Alliance Political Council
The NEC commended the greater frequency of meetings of the Alliance Secretariat and Political Council and the progress made in discussions regarding economic strategy and the reconfiguration of the Alliance. The NEC also commended the commitment by the Alliance to engage in joint campaigns for the District Development Model, NHI, gender-based violence, and combating all forms of social ills.
The NEC noted that the South African Communist Party (SACP) would be holding a Special National Congress from 9 – 12 December 2019 under the theme: “Rebuild our Movement: Socialism is the Future – Build it Now!”. The NEC expressed its revolutionary greetings and support for the congress, which will be attended by a delegation of 20 NEC members.
ANC Youth League, Progressive Youth Alliance
The NEC noted challenges facing the ANC Youth League and expressed serious concerns regarding incidents of violence and the carrying of guns in meetings. The NEC conveyed its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished those injured speedy recovery. The NEC emphasised the importance of a strong and stable ANCYL and the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) to the ANC. The Alliance Political Council also resolved to address challenges in the South African Students’ Congress (SASCO), Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and SANCO urgently. The NEC resolved that the Youth League will have its national conference by March 2020.
Branch, Regional and Provincial Conferences
The NEC reaffirmed the importance of vibrant internal democracy and active participation by members in branches as hallmarks of ANC organizational culture. Accordingly, the NEC adopted guidelines for the proper conduct of Provincial and Regional Conferences scheduled for January to March 2019.
The NEC emphasized the political importance of these conferences that must focus on the implementation of conference resolutions, policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives the majority of South Africans.
National General Council: 2020
The NEC noted that the National General Council (NGC) scheduled for June 2020 will coincide with the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in Kliptown on 26 June 1955.
The NEC agreed that the total number of participating delegates would be 3000. In giving effect to the mandate assigned to the NGC by the ANC Constitution – to determine and review the policies and programmes of the ANC – the NEC stressed the importance of thorough discussion of NGC papers not only in ANC structures but also in the Alliance, MDM and broader society.
January 8 Celebrations
The 108th anniversary of the formation of the ANC (on 8 January 1912) will be held on Saturday, 11 January 2020 in Kimberly, Northern Cape. The celebration will be preceded by an intensive programme of engagement between ANC leaders, structures and citizens in the Northern Cape.
NON-RACIAL CHARACTER OF THE ANC
The NEC noted with concern the continued polarization of South African politics along racial lines. The NEC reaffirmed the non-racial character of the organization and the need to continue strengthening its capacity to unite all South Africans.
The NEC committed itself to ensure that ANC programmes and actions, during 2020 and beyond, would be inspired by the same inclusive spirit that informed and led to the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955:
“And therefore, we, the people of South Africa, black and white together as equals, countrymen and brothers adopt this Freedom Charter; and we pledge ourselves to strive together, sparing neither strength nor courage, until the democratic changes here set out have been won.”
END
ISSUED BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, CDE ACE MAGASHULE
Enquiries:
Pule Mabe
National Spokesperson
071 623 4975
