ANC statement on governance

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted a Sunday newspaper report headlined "ANC abuses power". The article claims that three provinces are "run from party offices", top posts are "kept for party members" and that "ANC leaders dictate on procurement".

The ANC would like to place on record that at no stage has it mandated any of its provincial structures to run provincial governments from the organisation's offices as claimed by the report. We believe in the highest standards of integrity from our elected representatives and appointed public officials.

The Constitution enjoins state institutions at all levels to be guided by principles of openness and transparency. The ANC has been in the forefront in the creation of democratic institutions to oversee and enforce good governance. Policies are in place for public representatives to adhere to. Much has been done to transform and democratise the State. South Africa is a thriving democratic society that few would have conceived possible a few years ago, with strong infrastructure and democratic institutions.

Key laws governing financial management - the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), 1999 for national and provincial government and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), 2003 for the local government sphere - are in place and mitigate against anyone outside government dictating on procurement or running of government. The ANC firmly believes in the adherence of the PFMA and MFMA as a guide to its deployed cadres in all levels of government. Government is required by law to advertise tenders and jobs. Qualifying companies or individuals are normally shortlisted and go through a panel before any contract is awarded. These are rigorous processes and no one - not even an ANC leader - can attempt flout any of these laws by dictating to government how to run its business.

As far as deployments are concerned, it is an internationally accepted norm for any ruling party to deploy its cadres into Government as president, premiers, ministers, MECs and into any other strategic position. South Africa is no exception.

The ANC is on course to lead South Africa after the 2009 elections and will not be detracted by negative reports in the media. We are determined and want to reassure all South Africans that we will not destroy fruits of our hard earned democracy by abusing power as the Sunday newspaper report wants people to believe.

Statement issued by the African National Congress October 26 2008