ANC STATEMENT ON THE PUBLIC SPAT BETWEEN SEXWALE AND SISULU The African National Congress (ANC) is deeply concerned about the public spat between Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale and Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu - two of its cadres deployed to Government.

Taking into account the crucial importance of service delivery to our people, we call on comrades Sexwale and Sisulu to rather work together and not against each other in ensuring that the ANC-led Government delivers on its mandate.

When the ANC took over the reigns in Government 15 years ago, it identified the massive housing shortage in the country as a key area for delivery, particularly to previously disadvantaged Blacks. Redressing decades of imbalances of the past brought about by apartheid is what compelled us to embark on a vigorous project to address the housing shortage.

It is our view that the housing project - like any other project - needs acceleration and improvement. Such acceleration and improvement should not reflect badly on any of these comrades. In fact, it should strengthen implementation of the mandate they carry in Government.

In the interest of service delivery to all South Africans, we call on comrades Sexwale and Sisulu to work together in delivering quality houses to our people and stop entering into negative debates. The ANC tradition of working effectively as a collective has taught us that no amount of public grandstanding or point scoring will take our national objectives forward.

We have confidence in both comrade Sexwale and Sisulu and urge them to set aside any differences in approach to service delivery and work together in taking the ANC programme forward. It is only through working together, that we can do more for the people of South Africa. Public spats do not advance housing service delivery.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress national spokesperson, November 27 2009

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