Statement on the outcomes of the NEC meeting

29 October 2024

The African National Congress (ANC) successfully convened a Special Session of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from 25th to 27th October 2024 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.

The Special Session was strategically timed to coincide with commemorating the 107th anniversary of the birth of our longest-serving President-General, Comrade Oliver Reginald Tambo. The movement he served all his life paid tribute to his enduring legacy on Sunday, 27 October 2024. The day began with a solemn Church Service, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of Comrade OR Tambo, acknowledging his role as a selfless leader, a decisive freedom fighter, and the ANC's chief diplomat who gave his whole life to the liberation of our country.

This fitting tribute was concluded by the OR Tambo Memorial Lecture, delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who emphasised on Tambo's unwavering commitment to unity, ethical leadership, revolutionary morality and discipline, the values that continue to guide the ANC today.

The OR Tambo commemorations on Monday, 28 October 2024 were further marked by the national launch of the ANC Foundation Course for all members, a core project in the renewal programme. This course is a declaration of our dedication to fostering a movement grounded in disciplined and well trained cadres and leaders for the challenges and responsibilities of our historic mission. Together, these initiatives strengthen our efforts to ensure that the ANC remains both responsive to the needs of South Africans and reflects the values and principles of our forebearers.

The Special Session of the NEC began with a moment of respect and commemoration for the lives of our recently departed comrades, stalwarts, and friends - including Pravin Gordhan, Tito Mboweni, and Membathisi Mdladlana - three exceptional servants of the ANC who have passed since our last NEC meeting. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and to all South Africans who have lost their loved ones during this period since the last NEC.

The NEC rigorously engaged the reports before it, addressing the domestic and global balance of forces, alongside diagnostic insights on the state of our organisation and the Integrity Committee's recommendations. Our collective reflections have informed our strategy to protect the ANC through strict adherence to renewal efforts, strengthened branch capacity and intensified public accountability for our representatives and leaders at all levels of our structures from the branches to the NEC.

On the Diagnostic Report

The NEC received the initial iteration of the diagnostic report on the state of the organisation, which builds upon two previous reports presented in 1998 and 2017 by Secretaries-General, Kgalema Motlanthe and Gwede Mantashe, respectively. These reports provided a foundation for subsequent National General Council (NGC) and National Conference resolutions, as well as NEC decisions and regulations on organisational development, discipline, and renewal.

This draft report, presented to the NEC, remains a work in progress and will be enriched through visits to various provinces and engagements with regions and branches by the Secretary-General and a team led by the Organising Department. The final report is slated for presentation to the National General Council in 2025.

The Special NEC deliberated on the probing question of whether recent national and provincial election results reflect a judgment on the ANC's success in fulfilling its historic mandate for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, equal, and prosperous society?

The 30-Year Review Report highlights an unparalleled record of transformation in any post-colonial society. However, many of our people did not turn out to vote for the ANC, to the extent that it can no longer form a govemment independently. The Special NEC engaged in extensive discussions on the potential drivers behind this electoral outcome.

From the perspective of individual membership and leadership, the diagnostic exercise addressed the extent to which we have projected or failed to project the aspirations of the masses. It acknowledged the importance of ethical conduct, as reflected in the establishment of the Integrity Commission, tasked with upholding ethical standards among members and leaders of the movement. This commitment to integrity directly impacts perceptions of whether the organisation genuinely represents the aspirations of our people.

This diagnostic exercise, to be further led by the Secretary-General and Organising, will include visits to all structures across the country, focusing not only on individual integrity, but also on the integrity of the branches and regions.

This NEC-led diagnostic will contribute to the necessary prognosis for the future, as outlined in the diagnostic report. This process is not about reinventing the wheel but about implementing existing policies drawn from foundational documents such as the Freedom Charter, the Ready to Govern document, the RDP, Through the Eye of the Needle, National Conference resolutions, and government programmes like the IDP at the local level and the NDP at the national level. Equally, it calls for adherence to both the ANC Constitution and the Constitution of South Africa.

On Party Building and Branches

The NEC noted that there has been a decline in the membership of the ANC due to deserters and disruptors, and we acknowledge that revolution is swift once an impure load has been offloaded. The renewal programme aims to ensure that the ANC purges and strengthens itself as part of ensuring we have a truly committed crop of activists and cadres. In pursuance of this resolution, all members will need to write a motivation letter and state why they should be accepted as returning members or accepted as new members into the ANC branches.

The NEC recognises the urgent need to confront complacency regarding the state of our organisation.

The focus must shift to revitalising the ANC at its core, beginning with our branches, which are the basic units of our movement. The decisions made during the 54th and 55th National Conferences aimed at organisational renewal must now be translated into concrete action. Branches are crucial to our effectiveness as a movement, serving as vital contact points for community members seeking information, support and assistance. The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to building authentic branches dedicated to our National Democratic Revolution (NDR), rejecting transactionalism and the culture of buying membership and placing self-interest above the organisation. Politically vibrant and impactful branches must replace hollow structures that lack standing or genuine engagement within their communities. Our branches, as defined by the ANC constitution, must fulfil their role in shaping South Africa's path forward, not serve as platforms for careerists or sectional interests.

The NEC resolved that all members, particularly NEC members, must take an active role in rebuilding branches over a dedicated twelve month period. This entails empowering our members and supporters to ground the ANC within their communities, thereby disseminating the core values and principles of our movement. In doing so, we will not only foster unity and cohesion within our ranks but also restore public confidence in the ANC and reverse our declining electoral support.

The NEC reaffirmed that every leader must embody the spirit of an organiser and activist, committed to the immediate tasks of the National Democratic Revolution. The NEC further resolved that branches should focus on becoming vibrant, activist hubs with a clear programme of action aligned with the goals of the national democratic revolution. This includes ensuring access to affordable services, promoting the upkeep of public infrastructure and fostering healthy community environments through sports, arts and culture initiatives.

Moreover, ANC branches must engage actively with local government and civil society, creating clean, green communities with spaces for children to thrive. We urge our branches to collaborate with School Governing Bodies to guarantee quality education and mobilize parents to support their children's academic commitments. Working alongside community health practitioners, branches should identify and assist vulnerable families, thereby contributing to holistic community welfare.

The NEC welcomes the improvements to the membership management system, which will help mitigate practices that degrade our organisational integrity and accountability.

On the Foundational Course for All Members

The Special NEC welcomed the progress being made in political education and commended how this will further the organisational renewal agenda. In the same breath, the NEC expressed gratitude for the contributions of the Veterans League, particularly Comrades Mac Maharaj, Sue Rabkin, and Pallo Jordan, in conceptualising the ANC Foundation Course modules. The NEC also acknowledged the ongoing support of Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe in his various roles, including as Head of the Electoral Committee and Chair of the Board of the OR Tambo Political School, among others. Furthermore, the ANC extended its appreciation for the continued support and political guidance from President Thabo Mbeki, whose invaluable insights continue to enrich discussions on the political affairs of the ANC and our country.

Renewal is not limited to the reforms we are making to our structures; it is a moral and intellectual undertaking we can refer to as the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) of the soul. The NEC highlighted that effective branches require members and leaders who are both ideologically grounded and ethically committed to our mission. It is in this context that we are proud to announce that we have officially unveiled the ANC Foundation Course. This course, which will be mandatory for every ANC member, public representative and leaders; starting with the members of the NEC, is a decisive step toward ensuring ideological clarity and service-oriented leadership across our ranks.

The NEC has identified the objectives of Political Education as a cornerstone of our organisational renewal and rebuilding. First and foremost, every member of the ANC must be educated about our rich history, vision, mission, principles, values, ethics, ideological orientation and policies. This foundational knowledge will empower our members and leaders with the analytical tools and practical skills necessary to become effective activists and agents of fundamental change within society. Additionally, through dedicated efforts in organising and continuous training, we aim to transition from merely quantitative membership to cultivating high-calibre activists and cadres, individuals equipped with distinct qualities and skills suitable for advancing each phase of the national democratic revolution.

The NEC resolved to ensure the successful implementation of this Political Education Programme, and several priorities have been established in this regard. The first priority is the rollout of a compulsory mass political education initiative, commencing in November 2024 and running through June 2027, which will engage the entire membership of the ANC in person at their respective branches. This will be followed by the induction of newly elected structures, including the Branch Executive Committees (BECs), Regional Executive Committees (RECs), Provincial Executive Committees (PECs), NEC, leagues and public representatives.

Other critical components will include compulsory political classes for all leaders at various levels and mandatory policy masterclasses for those in government positions. Furthermore, the establishment of joint political school programmes with other progressive parties and movements will broaden our political education scope, fostering collaboration and shared learning across the continent and beyond. By implementing these measures, the ANC seeks to equip its members to embody the values and principles of our movement, ultimately advancing the goals of the NDR and fostering a just and equitable society.

On Integrity, Ethics and Discipline

The NEC considered a number of outstanding reports from the Integrity Commission affecting various leaders of the ANC. The NEC accepted the recommendations of the Integrity Commission, while noting that recommendations in respect of certain cases had been overtaken by events, which included those who have either died or have since left or were expelled from the organisation.

The NEC approved the amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Integrity Commission. The most significant amendments relate to the establishment of an Appeals Panel that will consider appeals by members and leaders aggrieved by the outcomes of the Integrity Commission processes and decisions.

The amendments further provide for the member whose conduct is under the spotlight to be provided with an opportunity to respond to the draft report of the Commission. Similarly, the final report must be shared with the individual concerned at the same time it is submitted to the Secretary-General for consideration by the NEC. The NEC equally resolved that members have a right to take the reports of the Integrity Commission on review should they elect to do so. These will ensure alignment of the Integrity Commission processes with the rules of natural justice which are an integral part of our jurisprudence.

However, it was emphasised that the Integrity Commission and its work is not essentially about upholding the laws of the country but rather an appeal to a higher bar on leadership and membership obligations with regards ethical conduct. It was noted that in some of the cases, no law of the country may have been violated, but rather that the conduct itself lent to undermining the public perception of the ANC as a leader of society and thereby bringing the organisation into disrepute.

In so doing, the Integrity Commission will not seek to be legally punitive but rather corrective to ensure compliance with the ethical conduct as spelt out in the Terms of Reference, as well as the high premium of expectation on all leaders of the ANC with regards to their public and private conducts. Matters of ill-discipline to the extent that the Constitution and other policies of the ANC have been violated will continue to belong to the realm of the Disciplinary Committee, whilst violating the laws of the country have the additional dimension of facing the courts of law.

The NEC mandated the Secretary-General to proceed with speed in establishing the independent Panel.

On the Approach to Leadership

The NEC noted that ANC leadership issues have recently come under the spotlight in public discourse.

This situation is further fuelled by some comrades who, upon election, immediately engage in leadership debate for the next conference. Such actions destabilise the organisation's structures and detract from

the focused implementation of both our electoral mandate and the resolutions of national conferences.

The NEC stressed that the challenges arising from the 2024 electoral outcomes - characterised by the NEC as a strategic setback to the National Democratic Revolution - require all members to adopt a disciplined approach to leadership matters at every level of the organisation.

In response, the NEC resolved that a guiding framework on leadership issues and processes should be developed, circulated to all structures and discussed. Once adopted, this framework will guide leadership processes at branch, regional, provincial and national levels.

The ANC's Electoral Committee, led by Cde Kgalema Motlanthe, will be tasked with examining the influence of money in leadership elections.

The NEC further resolved to establish a Standing Committee to investigate leaks of NEC and NWC information to joumalists and third parties. This permanent committee will conduct forensic audits of information leaks by NEC and NWC members involving internal ANC decisions and discussions. The committee will be composed of experienced professionals and seasoned ANC members.

Additionally, the NEC decided that no member should engage in leadership contestation, lobbying or self-promotion in the name of the ANC for any position in the lead-up to the 2027 national conference, except within the period to be determined and announced by the Secretary-General. Any member violating this directive by engaging in unauthorised leadership contestation will face disciplinary action, as such behaviour detracts from the critical work of implementing national conference resolutions and our electoral manifesto.

The NEC was firm that the ANC must not be drawn into premature leadership discussions that divert focus from addressing the strategic setback to the NDR.

On Public Representatives

The NEC has resolved to strengthen public participation and accountability by ensuring that all our elected public representatives, councillors, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) engage closely and regularly with community members. This engagement will involve holding regular public meetings to address local concerns, inform residents about available govemment services, and clarify pertinent policy matters under discussion.

On Electoral Reform

The NEC approved the ANC submission to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel, which called for submissions on why, how and whether the current South African electoral system should be reformed, changed or even replaced with another one. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2024.

The NEC noted that post the deadline, the Panel will undertake public consultations which will inform its final report to be tabled by the Minister of Home Affairs to Parliament in 2025.

The ANC will work with a broad front of civil society organisation and other parties to mobilise support for the electoral system reforms it believes will strengthen our democracy and accountability of public representatives in a meaningful manner.

On the National Dialogue

The NEC reaffirmed its alignment with the commitment made to the South African people to convene a National Dialogue aimed at charting a collective path forward for our nation. This National Dialogue will invite participation from all sectors of society in setting national priorities and determining the future direction of our country. Through a series of plenary sessions, working groups, and familiar social dialogue processes, we will also utilise this opportunity to educate our citizens about our history, the Constitution and the importance of public participation and civic responsibility.

This National Dialogue will serve as a rallying point as we prepare to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter in 2025. We must mobilise all people and structures in every township, village and city to gather proposals and submissions that echo our enduring commitment to freedom and justice.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

On Addressing the Cost of Living and Expanding Zero-Rated Goods

The NEC acknowledges the immense pressure that the rising cost of living places on South African households. Recent relief in petrol prices, aided by a stronger Rand, offers some relief, but we recognize the need for deeper interventions. To address the burden of high food costs, the NEC has resolved that there is a need to expand the basket of zero-rated goods, targeting essential items to bring immediate relief to struggling families.

The NEC recognises that there is a need for an engagement with food retailers and look into supply chains, with the aim to prevent exploitative pricing on basic goods, and to ensure affordable essentials for all citizens. This expansion of zero-rated goods is part of our broader strategy to tackle poverty and hunger, reinforce job creation and drive economic inclusivity. Through these initiatives, the ANC is committed to building an economy that directly serves the needs of the people and delivers lasting relief from the cost of living pressures.

On Security and Social Transformation

The NEC discussed the tragic deaths of children in Soweto, all under the age of 10, after ingesting contaminated food bought from a local spaza shop. The NEC expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government to expedite investigations to determine the cause of these deaths and take decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The NEC commended the government's multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with all relevant authorities and departments to trace the source of contamination and hold accountable those found culpable.

The NEC called on the govemment to urgently address capacity constraints that hinder municipalities from conducting regular health inspections of food vendors, with a particular focus on spaza shops and hawkers. The recruitment and training of health inspectors must be prioritised. The NEC stressed that food sourcing by vendors selling to children must be rigorously monitored to ensure all foodstuffs are free from contamination, without unfairly impacting those who rely on honest trade for their livelihoods.

However, the NEC emphasised that protecting children's lives must take precedence.

The NEC also welcomed interventions led by the Minister of Small Business, in collaboration with Provinces and Municipalities, to register all spaza shops, maintain an updated database, and ensure inspections by relevant authorities are regularly conducted.

The NEC further commends the swift actions taken by the Ministers and their departments, including the South African Police Service in identifying and arresting some of the alleged perpetrators in these mass shootings. We look forward to further arrests and the successful prosecution of those who have committed these heinous crimes.

GEOPOLITICAL ISSUES

The NEC recognises that South Africa will assume the Chairpersonship of the G20 in December 2024, and we recognize the centrality of this opportunity to advocate for the interests of developing nations and address pressing global challenges such as economic inequality, climate change, and sustainable development. Our leadership will focus on fostering collaborations and ensuring that the Global South is heard, as we emphasise the importance of equitable global governance.

The NEC reaffirmed that it continues to place our continent at the centre of our foreign policy while also recognising the need to communicate more about South Africa, its progress, aspirations and goals. We will persist in supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other initiatives outlined in Agenda 2063.

The NEC reaffirmed that South Africa and the ANC remain steadfast on the path of solidarity and justice for the Palestinian people. Our nation's legal and diplomatic teams recently presented our submission to the International Court of Justice in support of the case we have brought against the State of Israel for the crimes of genocide that it continues to perpetrate against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

The NEC calls on the international community to note the intensification of the onslaught against the people of Gaza and more recently, against the people of Lebanon. We must intensify our calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance, and the initiation of negotiations towards a just and lasting settlement.

On 16 Days of Activism

The NEC resolved that as we approach the 16 Days of Activism, the ANC and Women's League branches must utilise this period to focus on gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. It is imperative that victims have access to services and are supported in court proceedings. Furthermore, we must promote initiatives that educate men and boys against toxic masculinity and the use of violence as a means of problem-solving.

On the January 8 Celebrations

The NEC noted that the January 801 Rally will be held in Cape Town and that preparations are well underway. Additionally, the NEC acknowledged that preparations for the 2025 NGC will be a key highlight in the organisation's work, driving renewed focus on accelerating service delivery.

The NEC emphasised that service delivery, particularly in areas such as water, roads and sanitation, remains the top priority. It called on the police to implement decisive interventions to stop criminal acts of extortion, which undermine local entrepreneurship and local economic development. This includes addressing instances of sabotage targeting water infrastructure, often used to justify water tanker tenders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NEC emphasises the importance of unity and disciplined engagement as we navigate these critical periods. The c and fulfil the promises of the National Democratic Revolution.

In the spirit of Comrade Oliver Tambo, we commit to ensuring that our renewal programme reflects the highest ideals of the ANC and meets the demands of our time. This Special NEC Meeting has set for us a resolute course to address the challenges ahead - to guard the ANC jealously - and to continue our historic mission of serving the people.

Issued by Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, National Spokesperson, ANC , 29 October 2024