ANC statement on the outcomes of the National Working Committee

8 June 2021

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ANC met on Monday. 7 June 2021. The NWC received reports from the National Officials and the National Elections Team on progress made with the implementation of decisions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in preparation the next NEC meeting on 25 — 27 June 2021.

The major focus of ANC structures remains mobilising communities to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic; support the vaccine roll-out programme; prepare for local government elections; ensure proper candidate selection processes in line with our guidelines; and convene branch biennial general meetings (BBGMs), as well as regional and provincial conferences to ensure all structures of the organisation are in good standing in terms of the ANC's constitution.

Covid-18 Pandemic and Vaccine Roll-out

The NWC urged everyone in South Africa to take extra care. to abide by the non-medical interventions such as wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding gatherings and hand hygiene to prevent another deadly wave of the pandemic, as we have entered a very cold winter season.

The NWC welcomed progress with the roll-out of vaccines and urged government to speed up this process.

The NWC reiterated support for government’s strategy of acquiring vaccines from multiple sources. The NWC welcomed the approval by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the Sinovac vaccine, at the indications that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) will be expediting its approval within the applicable legal prescripts.

The NWC also commended the ongoing efforts by President Ramaphosa. to broaden support to achieve a temporary waiver of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property agreement at the VVTO to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines. This will enable countries to manufacture their own vaccines and pave the way for the development of a local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in our own country and on our continent.

The NWC commended the efforts by ANC structures to assist and support older citizens who have responded to the .11 to have themselves vaccinated.

Youth Month and the work of the ANC NYTT

June is recognized as Youth Month in collective remembrance of the sacrifices made by the brave and militant class of 1976. This generation of young people played a critical role in laying the foundation of the freedom we enjoy today. In this regard the NWC also reflected on continued challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality faced by the youth. The NWC called on both the public and private-sector to continue rolling out initiatives geared towards youth empowerment consistent with the proclamation by former President Oliver Tambo: "The children of any nation are its future. A country, a movement, a person that does not value its youth and children does not deserve its future."

The NWC further commended the continued and visible efforts by NYTT to build a vibrant and dynamic ANCYL as evidenced by a number of campaigns it is carrying out.

The NWC welcomed the re-affiliation of the ANCYL to the International Union of Social Youth (IUSY). The IUSY brings together socialist, social democratic, labour and political youth organizations from around the world.

This is an important development in the rebuilding process of the Congress Youth League and in reasserting international solidarity as a pillar of our struggle This will also create a platform for the ANCYL to echo South Africa's position against imperialism during a time of a global pandemic with certain countries who want to promote vaccine nationalism.

Freedom Charter

In preparing to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter on 26 June 1955, the NWC emphasized that the values and objectives enshrined in the Constitution find their genesis in the Freedom Charter and other seminal texts of our Movement. Accordingly, members of the ANC must live according to values of respect for humanity, equality, selfless service and adherence to the rule of law.

The NWC once again reiterated the position of the NEC that all ANC members have a historical responsibility to respect, uphold and advance our country's Constitution. We must ensure that we do not do anything that places the Constitution at risk.

Pride Month

June is also recognized as International Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQt+ community who continue to bear the brunt of brutal killings, violence and discrimination. Whilst South Africa is one of the leading countries in protecting the rights of the queer community, we still have a long way to go as a society.

The NWC applauded the work done by the ANCWL in celebrating International Pride Month and called upon on ANC structures and the whole of society to support Pride Month programmes in their communities.

BBGM, Conferences and Candidate selection for Local government elections

The NWC welcomed the fact that ANC branches have held over 3000 BBGMs, and have started selecting candidates for local government election.

It welcomes the manner in which ANC structures have embraced the involvement of communities in selecting the best candidates to be ANC public representatives at this critical sphere of local government. The process as outlined in the ANC Local Candidate Selection guidelines, after the holding of an ANC Branch General Meeting. include the following steps:

a community meeting where the candidates nominated by the ANC are presented, and where the community can also nominate additional candidates, and

a community primary vote on the nominated ANC candidates.

The NWC commended the Northern Cape for holding a successful provincial conference under Covid-19 restrictions.

The NWC commended Cde Kgalema Motlanthe, in partnership with the Andrew and June Mlangeni Foundation and UNISA for leading a wreath-laying ceremony and delivering the inaugural Andrew Mlangeni Memorial Lecture on 6 June 2021.

Local Government Elections

The NWC noted and supported the establishment, by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), of an Inquiry into Ensuring Free and Fair Local Government Elections During COVID-19, chaired by former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

The NWC supported the ANC submission reaffirming the decision of the NEC that local government elections should proceed within the timeframes provided for in the Constitution and the law, unless it is objectively impossible for this to happen.

The NWC reaffirmed its conviction that voters have the right to elect a new government every five years and that this fundamental principle in our Constitution should not be tampered with unless there is no other option.

Road Accident Fund

The NWC welcomed reports that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has shown a surplus of R3.2 billion for the first time in decades. The NWC cornmended the efforts being made by the ANC-led government to turn-around and rebuild state institutions.

North West

The NWC resolved that, in response to the deteriorating situation in the North West the it would meet with the Interim Provincial Committee and ANC structures throughout the province this coming weekend to outline interventions required to help stabilize the organization, as well as provincial and local government in the province.

MK Veterans Unity Process

The NWC reiterated its decision that, as mandated by the NEC, efforts be step-up to ensure a unity conference of all Umkhonto we Sizwe veterans ahead of the celebration of 60th anniversary of the formation of MK in December 2021.

The NWC supported the steps taken by the Deputy Secretary General to engage the leadership of MK Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) and MK National Council (MKNC) regarding implementation of the decision that both MKMVA and MKNC should consider dissolving and participating in a preparatory committee for a unity conference led retired generals and other former senior MK commanders.

The NWC supported the proposal by the National Officials that the preparatory committee for a unity conference of MK veterans should consist of: Fabian 'Zak, Msimang; Keith Mokoape; Jackie Sedibe; Jenny Schreiner; Ntswaki Sixgashe; Lucy Ramasodi; Nqose; and to appoint two representatives each from MKMVA and MKNC to participate in the preparatory committee.

The NWC called upon members of both these structures to conduct themselves with the discipline befitting ANC members and ex-combatants and to implement the decisions of the NEC and the NWC. The NWC further condemned attacks on the DSG for implementing its decisions. The Officials will meet both structures as soon as possible.

The NWC was unambiguous in its support for the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic that the defence force is the only lawful military force in the Republic and that, other than the security services established in terms of the Constitution, organisations or services may only be established in terms of national legislation.

In affirming the central role played by MK veterans in the struggle, the NWC urged government to expedite the processes led by the Deputy President to address the plight of military veterans and ensure they access benefits available for former combatants.

Integrity Commission: Zweli Mkhize

The NWC welcomed the decision by Cde Zweli Mkhize to present himself to the Integrity Commission, in line with the resolution of the 54th National Conference.

Fighting Crime and Corruption

The NWC rejected any insinuation that investigations by law enforcement agencies in general, and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in particular, have been influenced by factors other than those provided for in the law. Investigations by the SIU are initiated at the request of government departments, or other state institutions. They are formally proclaimed by the President once due legal processes have been followed.

The NWC welcomed the efforts by the ANC-led government to strengthen law enforcement agencies to allow for swifter identification and prosecution of corruption and fraud and the assurance that there will be no political interference whatsoever in the work of these agencies

Litigation: Cde ES Magashule vs ANC

The NWC noted that the urgent application brought by suspended Secretary General, Cde ES Magashule against the President, the Deputy Secretary General, and the ANC, will be heard on 24 and 25 June 2021, before a full bench of the High Court in Gauteng. The NWC reiterated its support for the steps taken to oppose the application.

International

The NWC discussed various international matters, in the context of our commitment to building a better Africa and World.

On Western Sahara, expressed support for DIRCO and the SADC region for hosting a very successful Solidarity Conference with the people of Western Sahara and encouraged them to intensify the implementation of the outcomes of the Conference.

On Palestine, welcomed the expressions of solidarity with the people of Palestine by ANC structures and civil society, and call on all progressive forces to continue pressure to ensure realisation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, dignity peace and freedom, in the context of ANC Conference resolutions. The ANC will continue to remain alert to the possibility of South Africa assisting in facilitating a breakthrough to achieve a solution between the People of Palestine and Israel.

On Ethiopia-Tigray, the NWC notes with concern the situation that has unfolded since last year, and welcomes the engagements by the International committee with various stakeholders on the matter.

On Mozambique, welcomes the intervention of SADC to assist the country to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the challenges facing the north of this important member state and neighbour.

Condolences

The African National Congress (ANC) dips its revolutionary banner in honour the following cadres, loyal veterans and patriotic South Africans: Reverend OJ Tselapedi, Prof Vishnu Padayachee, Sithole Assistance Mshudulu, and Ma Olive Yengeni, mother of Cde Tony Yengeni, iconic South African actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards, Sundowns FC spokesperson Thulani Thusa, and Motsweding FM Presenter Boitumelo Moeti.

Issued by Pule Mabe, National Spokesperson, ANC, 8 June 2021