ANC STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOMES OF THE NEC HELD FROM 9, 10 and 12 JULY 2021
The National Executive Committee of the African National Congress met, virtually, in a regular meeting on 9, 10 and 12 July.
The NEC acknowledged that it was meeting a day after the burial of President Kenneth Kaunda and recalled the enormous contribution made by comrade KK to the struggle for liberation, equality and justice. In addition to other activities to honour this hero of the people of Africa, including the attendance of the state memorial service in Lusaka by the President of the Republic and the ANC Chairperson, the ANC will this afternoon hold a special memorial service on virtual platforms.]
We once again dipped our heads in remembrance of all South Africans' relatives, friends and loved ones who have passed on during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the NEC extends our sincere condolences to former President Jacob Zuma and his family and wish them strength as they mourn the passing away of comrade Mike Zuma.
Acts of violence and destruction
This meeting is taking place at a time when several parts of the country are experiencing sporadic acts of violence, looting, intimidation and destruction of property.
The ANC condemns these acts without reservation. We support the government in efforts to strengthen its response and take harsher measures against this rioting, looting and destruction of property.
While these actions are being characterised by some people as a form of political protest, they are now clearly acts of sheer criminality.
The ANC calls on religious leaders, trade unions, civil society and all concerned South Africans to join us in condemning criminality, looting and wanton destruction of livelihoods.
The current violence in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is having damaging effects on the economy and livelihoods. A number of business organisations have registered their concerns with the widespread vandalism and destruction.
Although there may be opportunistic and adventurist acts of looting driven by hardship and poverty, the poor and marginalised will bear the brunt of this looting and destruction as critical public services are being disrupted, jobs are lost, access to safe and reliable public transport is being interrupted, and several small businesses have been destroyed.
The ANC repeats that we will never tolerate attempts to respond to judicial or legal processes by threats and acts of violence. Law enforcement agencies must deal with looting and criminality, and the instigators of such acts must be brought to book.
The ANC will act against any people within its own ranks who have fanned the flames of these uprisings and called for, or are in any way involved, in inciting such violence.
The NEC shares the pain of many ANC members and supporters who are saddened by the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma.
While reaffirming our respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, we acknowledge that his imprisonment is a source of tension for some of our members. We nevertheless urge members to remain calm and desist from acts which divide and weaken the organisation.
The NEC reaffirms our support for the ANC leadership of both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and instructs our deployees to these provinces to prioritise their engagements with structures in the province.
The NEC itself will continue to engage structures throughout the country, and in line with applicable COVID regulations, to brief our membership on our approach to the situation.
Defeating the COVID-19 Pandemic
South Africa is now in the midst of a third wave of infections that is proving to be more severe and may last longer than either of the previous two waves.
This third wave is largely being driven by the Delta variant, which is more transmissible and more contagious than other variants currently in our country.
Whilst Infections are now seemingly beginning to level off in Gauteng, we are seeing alarming increases in the Western Cape, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and North West.
Hospitalisations and, tragically deaths, remain very high and our health system is under enormous strain. We commend frontline health workers for their continued dedication and service.
The ANC therefore welcomes the announcement by President Ramaphosa to extend the Alert Level 4 Lockdown with additional adjustments to allow for further economic activity.
We call on citizens to adhere to the lockdown regulations and specifically to avoid gathering in large numbers. COVID-19 is real and it strikes indiscriminately.
It is encouraging to hear that we should have much greater access to vaccines and vaccine shortage should no longer be any impediment to us speeding up our vaccination programme.
The ANC welcomes the steady increase in the rate of vaccination and urges government to speed this up exponentially. We are heartened that the SINOVAC vaccine has now been approved by SAHPRA. The ANC notes that two Cuban vaccines have been found to be effective and believe these vaccines will be submitted to relevant authorities to undergo the applicable approval processes. We remain committed to the multi-vaccine strategy.
The ideal state of affairs will still be for South Africa and other countries on the continent be allowed to manufacture vaccines on the continent. We continue to engage vaccine manufacturers to temporarily waive their intellectual property rights and share their technology for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
Structures of the movement, the Alliance and the broader democratic movement must spread the message that vaccines are safe and they save lives.
Local Government
The NEC received presentations on the state of Local Government and Local Government Finances.
These presentations provided a detailed picture of the state of local government in the areas of political, governance, administration, service delivery and financial management.
The NEC acknowledged that there are at least 45 municipalities, where the financial and other crises, are so severe that national government may have to intervene in terms of s 139 of the Constitution.
Once the applicable government processes have been finalised, the SGO will engage affected provinces to ensure that ANC structures cooperate with appointed administrators and do not impede their efforts at stabilising municipalities.
There are further 60 municipalities that are termed "hot spots", which require rapid response teams constituted by national and provincial governments with the ultimate goal to get the municipalities performing their mandates and delivering basic services to our people.
Strategic vacant posts, such as those of municipal manager and chief financial officer, in local municipalities must be filled as a matter of urgency. The necessary checks and balances must be put in place to ensure these posts are filled by qualified and competent individuals.
We also need to strengthen our candidate selection processes to ensure that ANC councillors have the necessary skills and competencies to serve their communities. The SGO will engage with the ANC Electoral Committee and provinces to ensure both retention of skilled comrades and bringing onboard new candidates with the required qualifications and legitimacy within communities.
The NEC received a detailed report from the Electoral Committee on progress with the selection of ANC candidates for the local government elections through democratic process in ANC branches and with full participation of members of the community. The NEC approved proposals by the Electoral Committee to strengthen these processes.
The NEC also directed that the NEC Sub-Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs engage with the Electoral Committee and the Integrity Commission regarding further strengthening the powers of the Integrity Commission and other relevant structures on the conduct of internal democratic processes; and inclusion of the rules, powers and functions of the Electoral Committee in the ANC Constitution and Code of Conduct and prepare proposals for consideration by the NEC in preparation for the next National Conference.
The NEC agreed that the ANC will institute a process whereby political structures will interview mayoral candidates once the lists of three candidates have been submitted in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. This requirement will also apply to candidates for premiers during the National and Provincial Elections.
Consideration will be given to similar requirements for comrades who are considered at all levels of government.
The NEC agreed that local government must begin to insource a number of services to minimise corruption, attract young people with skills and create a number of local jobs.
The NEC will engage provinces to strengthen the system of monitoring and evaluation of local government. We will reconfigure and strengthen the Legislature and Governance subcommittee, as part of our overall review of NEC subcommittees, and set up a specific team to focus on Local Government. We will also, as a matter of urgency, ensure immediate interventions to deal with urgent issues that are facing communities in many municipalities.
The NEC took a moment to acknowledge areas where ANC cadres in various municipalities have done their best to meet the people's expectations. An instance in this regard is Mayor Nomvuyo Mposelwa of the Senqu Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape who is reported to have sustained the exemplary performance — an example that should inspire peers in other parts of the country
We agree with comrade Nomvuyo that accountability and monitoring of performance
The NEC noted the report on preparations towards the Local Government Elections and encouraged the Elections Team to improve the ANC's online presence and community media engagements, in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Economic Recovery and Reconstruction
The NEC engaged with the draft Alliance Discussion Document on the Economy in preparation for the forthcoming Alliance Summit.
The NEC directed that the next iteration of the Discussion Document must include a set of detailed, practical proposals that the Alliance can table to the social partners (labour, business and community) to inform a National Plan that will be binding on all social partners.
There was agreement that this discussion document must also provide an assessment of the progress made with the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. This assessment will provide a basis for further actions that must be undertaken by the Alliance.
The NEC highlighted a number of areas of consensus on which we must build to develop a common alliance position.
Unemployment is our key challenge and a significant contributing factor to social instability in our country. Our strategies must focus on recovering the jobs lost as a result of the pandemic as well as creating new jobs at a much faster rate.
The NEC agreed that we must continuously emphasise inclusive growth and job creation that focus on opportunities and access for women, the youth, people with disabilities and rural communities in all our initiatives and programmes.
There is consensus across the Alliance that our economic reconstruction will be led by significant re-industrialisation, underpinned by infrastructure investments and manufacturing.
We need to ensure that our products and services remain competitive in a global economy that prioritises low emission products and services. Government needs to proceed with urgency and ambition to construct a new industrial landscape, underpinned by environmentally sustainable technology, structures, institutions, processes and energy sources. We need to be deliberate in ensuring that this sustainable economy is designed is premised on a `just transition' that enhances the empowerment of workers, black people, women and young people.
Local governments must undertake a common package of measures to facilitate economic development in their areas including identifying specific areas of economic competitive advantage; ensuring enterprises are not deprived of basic services such as water and electricity, facilitating support for small businesses in terms of training, loans, and other enabling mechanisms
Crime and corruption have a negative impact on building and growing an inclusive economy. Local economic development is especially threatened by what has become known "local business forums" who demand what in essence amounts to protection fees in order not disrupt business operations.
The ANC supports government's planned intervention of a multidisciplinary law enforcement team composed of SAPS, the State Security Agency, Hawks and provincial departments of Community Safety to develop a response strategy. At the same time, the NEC directed ANC structures to engage and encourage any of our members involved to desist from participation in such "business forums."
The NEC agreed that government needs to be more targeted in ensuring that skills development and education outcomes align with the needs of the economy. Learners and students in especially TVET colleges must be empowered to respond to the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution. We also need to reskill existing workers and new entrants to the market.
The ANC recognises the devastating effect that COVID-19, and particularly this third wave, continues to have on our people and the economy. The NEC agrees with the need for deft management of the pandemic taking into account the need both to save lives and livelihoods.
Targeted restrictions, together with increasing the pace of vaccinations, are an investment in the long-term health of the people and the economy.
Whilst the GDP has begun to recover, this has not resulted in a similar recovery in employment. The NEC therefore directed its deployees in government to investigate what additional relief can be provided. In this regard, the NEC welcomed the extension of the COVID-19 TERS programme for affected workers and businesses.
Building a non-sexist organisation and society
The ANC reiterates its strong commitment to the affirmation of women as equal citizens of the country and members of our organisation.
We condemn any threats or other forms of intimidation used to exclude women from candidate selection processes. The organisation must take firm action where such wrongdoing is encountered.
The NEC will engage structures continuously on the fundamental principle of building a non-sexist society.
We urge government to give fuller expression to this principle by including initiatives aimed at women's economic empowerment and gender equality in all its programmes.
Gender-based violence continues to plague our society and we need to be more consistent in speaking out against this scourge. The NEC commends the ANC WL for its ongoing campaigns against GBV and Femicide and encourages all our structures to emulate the Women's League.
Government must finalise its processes to implement the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide as a matter of urgency.
Protecting the rights of the LGBTQI community
The NEC expressed its concern that our organisation seems to be paying less attention and seemingly leaving the protection of the rights of LGBTQI persons to the ANC Women's League.
There have been too many instances of violence against and murder of queer persons in the recent past and the ANC must be stronger in speaking out against this. Any form of discrimination and violence, based on sexual orientation and gender identity, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
We shall embark on a campaign of educating society and encouraging all ANC members, especially male comrades, to become allies in the fight against homophobia.
Reconfiguration of the Alliance
The NEC discussed a joint perspective on the reconfiguration of the Alliance in preparation for the forthcoming Alliance Summit. The meeting reaffirmed the centrality of the Alliance in defeating Apartheid colonialism and eradicating its legacy by building a National Democratic Society.
The meeting emphasised the importance of all components of the Alliance being involved in the project of renewal; a common programme of action aimed at addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality; the strengthening of the development state; and the mobilisation of motive forces; the role of the Alliance building social compacts between government, labour business and communities; and establishment of mechanisms to constructively manage areas of disjuncture between Alliance partners.
Organisational Matters
Strengthening unity and renewal of the ANC
The NEC was unanimous that strengthening unity and renewing the ANC are the central mandates received from the 54th National Conference. We reaffirmed the duty of every ANC member to work consistently and continuously to build unity and renew our movement.
There was broad consensus in the meeting that renewal is not an event, but rather a series of interlinking actions, is multi-faceted and will require dedication and commitment from all members of the movement.
The NEC must intensively engage all structures and members in our endeavour to renew every aspect of how the organisation works and serves the people. This process will be initiated as a matter of urgency.
Our discussions with ANC structures should focus on developing a common understanding of the causes and features of challenges we face as well as reaffirming the central pillars of our renewal project. Premised on the strategic objective of building a united, democratic, prosperous amd equitable society, these include:
Building ANC branches as agents of change in their communities
The ANC must lead, and be seen to be, the leader of society
Ending corruption and patronage in all their manifestations
Developing committed and capable cadres
Uniting the people of South Africa around the cause of social transformation
Strengthening our non-racial character in both theory and praxis
Building a more youthful organisation
Achieving gender equality across the board
Enhancing people's confidence in the ANC and improving the ANC's electoral performance Embracing technology as an organising tool.
The NEC endorsed the proposal to establish a Renewal Commission, composed of members of the NEC and other eminent ANC members with appropriate skills and expertise, to develop a Roadmap for Renewal of the ANC: Vision 2032.
The Secretary General's Office, together with the OR Tambo Political School, will develop the Terms of Reference for the Renewal Commission and these will be presented to the NEC for processing in the build up to the 55th National Conference, in 2022.
MK Veterans 60th Anniversary Advisory Team
The NEC endorsed the proposal by the MK Veterans Conference Preparatory Team to appoint an advisory team consisting of the following comrades:
Comrade Walter Msimang
Comrade Mac Maharaj
Comrade Abdulhay Jassat C
omrade Gilbert Ramano
Comrade JJ Kopsie
Comrade Jackie Sedibe
Administration and Finances
The NEC expressed its appreciation to the ANC staff who continue to serve the organisation despite ongoing financial hardships.
The National Officials continue to be seized with resolving our financial challenges and will table a way forward in the coming weeks.
Restoring discipline and integrity
Engagements will be urgently initiated between national and provincial disciplinary structures to strengthen our common understanding of the rules, procedures and processes that govern the system of organisational discipline.
The NEC will develop guidelines to strengthen our system of declaration of financial interests for all ANC leaders and finalise our position on lifestyle audits for ANC leaders and the policy on ANC leaders and their family members doing business with the state.
We received a report on the implementation of the Rules on Step Aside and reiterated that this decision must be applied consistently across all provinces, without any deviation.
The NEC ratified the decision of the NWC to appoint an Integrity Commission Appeals Committee, consisting of comrades:
Vusi Khanyile (Chairperson)
Mavivi Manzini
Josiah Jele Dipuo Peters
Johnny de Lange Lucille Meyer Mary Metcalfe
Violence in ANC organisational processes
The NEC reiterated its condemnation of violence that occurs during ANC organisational processes. We will continue to work with our structures and relevant law enforcement agencies to address this criminality.
Issued by ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte on behalf of the ANC NEC, 12 July 2021
