ANC STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC DEATHS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THE RECENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
7 November 2024
The African National Congress (ANC) extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and communities mourning the recent tragic loss of young lives due to contaminated food purchased from spaza shops and vendors. We are deeply saddened by these devastating incidents that have impacted our communities, particularly affecting the lives of our children. These tragedies underscore a growing concern over the health, safety, and hygiene practices in shops and food outlets across our communities and highlight the urgent need for regulatory improvements in these essential establishments.
Spaza shops have long played a central role in our local economies, providing affordable goods, creating jobs, and serving as accessible points of service for our communities. Their significance, especially in underserved areas, cannot be overstated. However, the rise in cases of foodborne illnesses, particularly affecting children, calls for immediate intervention. The ANC, in collaboration with the ANC Women's League (ANCWL) and community partners, is engaging with stakeholders in law enforcement, government, and local business associations to introduce stricter health and safety protocols for these establishments. We are exploring the development of tailored local by-laws to better regulate spaza shop operations and ensure public health is prioritized.
The ANC is closely monitoring investigations underway by the National Consumer Commission, the South African Police Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health's Environmental Directorate, coordinated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). This collective response aims to uphold public safety by setting and enforcing rigorous health standards across our communities. We also urge parents and community members to remain vigilant about food safety, especially around schools. Vendors, producers, and consumers alike must ensure adherence to safe food practices to prevent further tragedies.
Update on the ANC's Position on Electoral Reform
The ANC has recently submitted its initial input to the Electoral Systems Panel, which is tasked with exploring electoral system options for future National and Provincial Elections. Our submission reflects our commitment to the principles of the Freedom Charter and our enduring dedication to democracy. We believe firmly in the principle that "The People Shall Govern" and that no government is legitimate unless based on the will of the people.
The Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system has served South Africa well for over three decades, fostering an inclusive, representative government that reflects the diversity of our society. This system has enabled fair representation for various social groups, including women, youth, LGBTQI+ communities, and persons with disabilities. In 2024 alone, 55 political parties contested the national ballot, with 18 securing parliamentary seats, underscoring our nation's open and democratic spirit.
The ANC's submission emphasizes the importance of maintaining accountability, diversity, and transparency in any potential reforms. As we explore options with the Electoral Systems Panel, we will continue to advocate for a system that reflects the values and aspirations of the South African people. The ANC will actively engage in this process, aligning our contributions with public feedback and democratic principles.
On Walking with the People's Walk
Tomorrow, 08 November, the ANC will host the Walking with the People's Walk in Tshwane, uniting and mobilizing citizens around a people-centered agenda. With an expected participation of thousands of masses, the walk aims to reinforce the people's mandate for transformative policies that prioritize service delivery, economic transformation, and tangible benefits for the people. The walk reflects our commitment to engaging with communities directly, ensuring their voices continue to guide our efforts.
The ANC recognizes that our legitimacy is grounded in the trust and confidence of the people. This walk is a demonstration of our solidarity and resolve to address community concerns with accountability and dedication. Together. we advance our shared vision for an inclusive, prosperous South Africa.
On the South African Communist Party (SACP)
The ANC acknowledges the concerns raised by the South African Communist Party (SACP) and reaffirms the value of our longstanding alliance within the Tripartite Alliance. However, we have noted the recent public statements by SACP General Secretary Comrade Solly Mapaila, which appear to challenge ANC leadership and particularly target President Cyril Ramaphosa. While the ANC respects the SACP as a key ally, we believe that differences within the alliance should be managed internally with the appropriate decorum, honoring our shared history and revolutionary principles.
The ANC-SACP alliance is rooted in a mutual commitment to the National Democratic Revolution (NOR) and a free, non-racial. non-sexist. democratic South Africa. We remain committed to addressing differences constructively, following the example set by revolutionary leaders such as Cde Chris Hani. who valued unity and strategic compromise in advancing the people's interests. The ANC will meet with SACP leadership to clarify whether recent statements reflect the official stance of the SACP or personal views.
On Helen Zille
The African National Congress (ANC) categorically rejects the baseless claims by Helen Zille regarding their alleged role in shaping South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU). We view these claims as not only false but deliberately misleading. aiming to distort historical facts and elevate her importance in national matters where she lacks any foundational relevance.
Zille's repeated urge to interference in the internal affairs of the ANC and her ongoing public attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa expose a shameless bid for power and influence—one she has neither earned nor will attain through such reckless posturing. We see through these calculated attempts to undermine the ANC's leadership. It is clear that Zille and her party seek only to weaken the ANC from within, hoping to gain what they cannot secure at the ballot box.
As the ANC, we don't need any external figures to "prop up" our President. Our internal unity and the resolve of our members is testament to the mandate we have been entrusted with by the South African electorate. We stand as the legitimate representatives of our people, continuously renewing and strengthening our movement to uphold the will of the people.
DA's claims of "introducing" public-private partnerships to South Africa are nothing short of ludicrous. The ANC-led government has long pioneered cooperative projects that have led to significant milestones, such as the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the development of the Gautrain, all achieved through effective planning and coordination under ANC leadership. To suggest otherwise is a transparent attempt to hijack the legacy of ANC-led governance for her party's political gain.
In her remarks, Zille exposes her agenda: to push herself into a position of undue influence within the GNU while undermining the ANC's foundational role. These divisive narrative lacks both historical truth and relevance to our current transformation efforts. Her intent is clear—to delegitimize the ANC's leadership and derail the transformative projects that are central to our National Democratic Revolution. However, these tactics will not deter us. The ANC remains resolute in delivering on its commitments, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout, strengthening social cohesion through the BELA Act, and attracting investments to build a thriving economy for all South Africans.
Zille attempts to portray herself as influential in our country's future, the reality is that, South Africans have repeatedly chosen the ANC to lead, a mandate reaffirmed through democratic processes. Zille's conduct is a vivid reminder of her own deep-seated racial biases and a divisive agenda that attempts to exploit identity politics rather than foster genuine unity. From orchestrated marches to the Voortrekker Monument to openly exclusionary rhetoric, the Zille's pattern of behaviour speaks volumes about her intentions and underlying values.
As the ANC, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve all South Africans with policies that address our country's real, structural challenges. Zille's opportunism and identity-based divisions are a dangerous diversion, one that undermines the very fabric of our democracy and perpetuates the inequalities we are determined to eliminate. South Africans entrusted the ANC with a mandate to lead the GNU, and we will fulfill this responsibility with integrity.
We reaffirm our commitment to building a South Africa that is inclusive, progressive, and reflective of our democratic ideals. The ANC will continue to drive forward the transformation agenda, heedless of the Zille hollow rhetoric and relentless in its dedication to the prosperity and unity of all South Africans.
Statement issued by ANC, 7 November 2024
