ANC UPBEAT ABOUT WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS FROM THE WHITE COMMUNITY
19 February 2014
People across the racial lines continue to join the African National Congress (ANC) in their droves which is in stark contrast to claims that our glorious movement is losing support.
As the support for the ANC in Indian, Coloured and White communities grows significantly, the ANC yesterday showed its political muscle when it welcomed 20 new members from the white community into its fold.
An upbeat ANC Provincial Secretary, Cde Sihle Zikalala said it was humbling to see the ANC support growing in leaps and bounds across all races. He said the new members would be given an opportunity to participate fully in the ANC.
"We are humbled to be here and welcome you as new comrades into our movement. We are humbled to see you joining the ANC and declaring that you are prepared to contribute to the development of this country. The ANC is not a class-based organisation. It is an inclusive organisation which is home to everyone," said Cde Zikalala.
The number of Indian, Coloured and White people who are joining the ANC is a true reflection of a society envisaged by former Presidents Nelson Mandela, Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo and other leaders of the ANC, Zikalala said.
"As you join the ANC today, I want you to know that this is a very democratic organisation where leaders are elected democratically, not appointed. In everything we do, we conduct ourselves in a democratic manner. Democracy is encouraged in the ANC and we believe that everyone should have a view and express it freely," Cde Zikalala said.
All the new members were very happy to join the ANC, with many saying they have realised that ANC was the only organisation capable of championing the interests of race groups.
Speaking after he was officially welcomed to the ANC, Cde Yurie Swart said:"When I was filling in the form to join the ANC I saw for the first time an application form that doesn't require me to specify my race. The ANC is truly a non-racial organisation".
Statement issued by Senzo Mkhize, ANC KwaZulu-Natal, February 19 2014
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