Resolutions of the ANC's 53rd National Conference, Mangaung, December 16-20 2012

2. SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

1. Introduction

The ANC remains remain guided and committed towards the ideals of the Freedom Charter as we work towards building a national democratic society. In this regard we are enjoined by the Freedom Charter to build a society wherein;

‘South Belongs to all who live in it Black and White...that only a democratic state, based on the will of the people can secure to all their birthright without distinction or colour, race, sex or belief " The task of social transformation is about advancing the goal of the ANC as articulated in the Strategy and Tactics of 2007 which states that; "our strategies for social transformation must seek to empower people to lift themselves out of poverty while creating adequate social nets to protect the most vulnerable in our society"

In advancing the social transformation agenda, we noted that over the past eighteen years we have made significant progress in fighting poverty and building a national democratic society. Also noted and considered proposals emerging from the 4th National Policy Conference, and proposed that we adopt the thrust of the proposals emerging from the 4th National Policy Conference

That in order to realise our goals, we must continue to ensure that we implement a comprehensive programme that focuses on the war on poverty, which addresses the challenges of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment and is based on advancing and defending human rights as articulated in chapter two of the constitution Having considered the National Development Plan, agreed that it forms an important basis for the development of a long term plan to build a national democratic society that is non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous and seeks to advance the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

In order to realise the strategic goals of the NDR, the ANC, must therefore continue to mobilise all the motive forces in society behind the vision of building a national democratic society, continue to promote an active citizenry and social inclusion.

2. Specific Resolutions on Social Transformation

2.1 On social cohesion and nation building

2.1.1 Noting that:

2.1.1.1 Our past was based on racial and ethnic divisions devised to systematically exclude the majority of South Africans from full and unhindered participation in all aspects of national life, and left deep and persistent social, cultural and economic divisions and inequalities in society.

2.1.1.2 South Africa is a unitary and sovereign state based on democracy, the rule of law, pursuit of equal human rights, non-racialism, nonsexism and the equality of all persons.

2.1.1.3 in the past eighteen years of Freedom and Democracy, significant strides have been made in building a socially inclusive society.

2.1.1.4 Despite this progress we still face challenges of race, gender and slow economic growth which results in many excluded from the economy, 2.1.1.5 We must be mindful that it will take some time to eradicate these inequalities and divisions 2.1.2 further noting that:

2.1.2.1 We must continue to mobilise society in its entirety, to work together to build a caring society proud of its heritage, based on shared values and a vision informed by the following principles:

■ Constitutional democracy;
■ Ubuntu
■ Human rights and equality
■ Non-racialism, non-tribalism
and non-sexism
■ Inclusivity and social justice
■ Redress and transformation
■ Intercultural and community cooperation
■ Social solidarity
■ Empowered, fair, inclusive and active citizenship
■ Civic responsibility
■ Unity in diversity
■ National consciousness and identity.

2.1.3 therefore resolve that:

2.1.3.1 We must work towards the implementation of the recommendations of the 2030 National Development Plan as a long term vision which should serve as a basis for partnerships across society to attain the South Africa of our dreams, as eloquently articulated in the constitution.

2.1.3.2 We must ensure that social cohesion and nation building underpins all national, provincial and local government strategic priorities, inclusive of integrated economic and social development, education, health, human settlement, land and rural development, safety and security, immigration policies and programmes, arts, culture, language, heritage development and preservation, technological innovation, research and development.

2.1.3.3 We must promote and preserve progressive indigenous cultures and knowledge systems that are not in conflict with the constitution.

2.1.4 further resolve that:

2.1.4.1 The Charter of Positive Values adopted by the Moral Regeneration Movement in 2008 continued our commitment to respect human dignity.

2.1.4.2 To expand existing national, heritage and other honours and awards to recognise individuals, organisations and communities who have contributed significantly to social cohesion and nation building.

2.1.4.3 To develop a Nation-Building Project Management Manual and Toolkit, for application by practitioners at all levels, and to convene social cohesion and nation building summits at provincial, local and community level within the next twelve months.

2.1.4.4 To convene a National Social Cohesion Report Back and Monitoring Summit in 2014, as we celebrate 20 years of our freedom and democracy, and thereafter at five year intervals, to report on progress.

2.1.4.5 To accelerate change in improving the quality of life of all people, with special attention to the needs of the youth, women and people with disability

2.1.4.6 The state must continue to build capacity to drive the socio economic agenda in the country, including absorbing young people and women into economic activity, employing professionals, investing in skills required by the economy, and investing in research and development to respond to the demands of the knowledge economy.

2.1.4.7 To continue to fight any forms of discrimination, which are threats to social cohesion and nation building.

2.2 On social wage

2.2.1 noting that:

2.2.1.1 In the 2007 ANC 52nd National Conference we took a decision to equalise the pensionable age for the older persons;

2.2.1.2 That since Polokwane we have completed the Consolidated Government Document, that targets, coverage of social assistance and social insurance.

2.2.1.3 We have thus far been able to target more than 15 million people in this country benefit from social grants which allows the care-givers of children, the aged and those with disabilities to fulfil their basic needs and sustain their households 2.2.1.4 more than 94 % of our people have access to water, 84% have access to sanitation, 81 % of our people have electricity 71% of South Africans have refuse removed from their homes.

2.2.1.5 The State has supplied more than 3 million of households with formal dwellings.

2.2.2 further noting that:

2.2.2.1 Since 2007, we have developed a framework Comprehensive Social Security strategy, which includes the following key elements;

2.2.2.2 The expansion of the assets base of the poor through housing, small business and land reform programmes.

2.2.2.3 Retirement reform, unemployment and accident insurance and National Health Insurance.

2.2.3 therefore resolve that:

2.2.3.1 We increase the capacity of the state to ensure the acceleration of the implementation of the comprehensive social security strategy

2.2.3.2 We increase the capacity of the state to ensure the provision of free basic services for the poor, quality free education for poor households, passenger transport subsidies; we increase access to social grants to children and older persons as outlined in the Consolidated Government Document on Comprehensive Social Security.

2.3 On Children

2.3.1 noting that:

2.3.1.1 The StatsSA 2011 Census report, has found that Children make up 31.3% of the population

2.3.1.2 In Polokwane we took a decision to develop a comprehensive strategy on Early Childhood Development which has subsequently been developed.

2.3.1.3 We have increased the age of eligibility for social grants up to the age of 18, a goal that has been implemented progressively and given the positive impacts of the CSG, we need to consider universalising the Child Support Grant so that no deserving child gets excluded.

2.3.1.4 The country's social grants reduced the poverty gap by 63%, that early receipt of the CSG contributed to better educational outcomes for all children, especially the girl child, that early receipt of the CSG contributed to a decrease in risky sexual behavior in adolescence, that early receipt and continued participation in the CSG programme, tended to keep children in school longer.

2.3.1.5 we have achieved universal attendance at schools at primary school.

2.3.2 therefore resolve that:

2.3.2.1 We must accelerate the implementation of a Comprehensive Early Childhood Development Programme, taking into consideration the proposals in the NDP, which calls for;

2.3.2.1.1 Universal access for at least four (4) years of Early Childhood Development and the department of social development must take a lead in this area of work,

2.3.2.1.2 The strengthening of youth service programmes and the introduction of programmes that facilitate access to life-skills training and entrepreneurship training.

2.3.2.1.3 Efforts must be made to provide Child care facilities at public and the private sector workplaces.

2.3.2.2 We must ensure integrated services, including nutritional support to expectant mothers and children up until the fifth birthday.

2.3.2.3 We must ensure the provision of full funding assistance covering tuition, books, accommodation and living allowances to students from poor families.

2.3.2.4 We must continue to pay special attention to Child-headed households.

2.4 On the youth

2.4.1 noting that:

2.4.1.1 Youth aged 15-24 years account for almost 20% of the country's population while those aged 15-34 years account for 37%.

2.4.1.2 The majority of the youth are poor.

More than half of all 18-24 year olds lived under the lower bound poverty line of R604 per month in 2011.

2.4.1.3 That more than two-thirds live under the higher bound poverty line of R1 113 per month and that about half are unemployed and about twothirds are inactive.

2.4.1.4 Further noted that, 2.4.1.5 employment projections show that even if average annual growth were to rise to 5%, unemployment amongst 15-24 year olds would be 44% and 31% by 2020 and 2030 respectively, in the absence of special other interventions.

2.4.1.6 the youth were unduly burdened with all key social challenges including unemployment, substance abuse and HIV and Aids prevalence.

2.4.2 therefore resolve that:

2.4.2.1 We must ensure that our programmes and policies should focus on developing skills that are required by the economy so that the youth can become part of the mainstream economy, this will include accelerating the development and implementation of financial support for job-seekers, that is tied to compulsory learning and skills development as part of the Comprehensive Social Security System.

2.4.2.2 We must continue to develop strategies to retain young people in schools until they complete secondary schooling.

2.4.2.3 We must implement an optional national youth service for two year service which includes sporting, recreational, military and vocational training, with an intention to build a socially inclusive society.

2.4.2.4 We must continue to pay special attention to Child-headed households.

2.4.3 further resolve that:

2.4.3.1 we strengthen and implement policies and programmes to eradicate drug abuse and alcohol related harms as key component of youth development work.

2.4.3.2 We must implement a rights based comprehensive Sexuality education in schools.

2.4.3.3 We improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and family planning for the youth, including the implementation of a schools health programme.

2.4.3.4 Ensure the promotion of male and female condom use particularly important to prevent STDs and HIV.

2.4.3.5 We must teach and train the youth in particular men to become more responsible and supportive to partners in making sexual and reproductive health decisions.

2.4.3.6 We must also promote, responsible, healthy reproductive lifestyles amongst the youth;

2.4.3.7 we must continue to provide sanitary wear for the indigent Girl Child.

2.5 On Women

2.5.1 noting that:

2.5.1.1 Approximately 52% of the population is female,

2.5.1.2 In Polokwane we took a decision to establish a women ministry, focusing the development of women;

2.5.1.3 We still need to continue to systematically fight against patriarchy and any other forms of abuse against women in society,

2.5.1.4 Many of our women are not yet part of the economic mainstream, including access to economic opportunities

2.5.1.5 Progress has been made in ensuring that women are now actively involved in the decision making structures in society and in government. This includes progress towards achieving the 50/50 parity

2.5.1.6 In addition to the progress made by government in the development of women, civil society structures are now involved in the campaigns that focuses on establishment of centres that focuses on women abuse

2.5.2 therefore resolve that:

2.5.2.1 whilst progress has been made in the development of women, the establishment of a Ministry that focuses on women development, there is still a need to effectively implement programmes and policies geared towards the development of women, in particular those that live in abject poverty, the disabled and the most vulnerable in society this includes access to opportunities, access to free basic services and continue to systematically fight patriarchy in society.

2.5.2.2 we must increase access to economic opportunities for women, this includes targeted procurement from women companies, SMME's and this includes transforming the economy to represents women demographics

2.5.2.3 we must also ensure that we work with the rest of society and in particular the private sector to ensure that women are part of the decision making structures in society and ensure that women are part of the mainstreaming economy, in this regard we welcome the proposal by the Ministry on Women, which we must engage to ensure that it achieves its goal and we must continue monitor the implementation of this important policy proposal.

2.6 On disabilities

2.6.1 noting that:

2.6.1.1 There has been progress in ensuring that the disabled are protected and supported;

2.6.1.2 We have been able to establish a Ministry that focuses on the disabled in society

2.6.1.3 Whilst there is progress on addressing challenges facing the disabled in society, there has been a lack of providing facilities to support the disabled in society, development of braille, sign language.

2.6.2 therefore resolve that:

2.6.2.1 We continue to implement policies and programmes that are geared towards the protection and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities, including embarking on a campaign for the protection of the disabled in society with relevant stakeholders,

2.6.2.2 we must also ensure that we make it compulsory that all public buildings make its easy for the disabled to access such facilities,

2.6.2.3 Our policies must be integrated to promote the participation of people with disabilities at all levels of the movement and in all spheres of governance

2.6.3 further resolve that:

2.6.3.1 Whilst ensuring continuation of mainstreaming disabled people in schools and establishing full services in the schools, we must prioritise the establishment of special needs schools for specific disabilities where the need arises.

2.6.3.2 We must also develop mechanisms at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level in order to be able to detect the needs and challenges of a child at an early age,

2.6.3.3 We must consider the establishment of a commission or a structure focusing on the disabled in society

2.7 On Sports and Recreation

2.7.1 noting that:

2.7.1.1 Sport plays an important role in promoting, community development, social cohesion, and plays a critical role in the sharpening of the minds of children in schools.

2.7.1.2 The 2010 FIFA World Cup played an important role in mobilising society around the common vision and building patriotism and building much needed infrastructure for the development of sports facilities;

2.7.1.3 In the past eighteen years we have made significant improvement in the development of all sporting codes in the country, these includes:

❏ That physical education is now a stand-alone and a compulsory subject in schools,

❏ The building of more infrastructure for sports and recreation particularly in township and rural communities.

2.7.2 further noting:

2.7.2.1 There is still a need to ensure the organisation and development of all sporting codes in the country, in this regard we welcome the adoption of the new sports and recreation plan which seeks to ensure the development and growth of the sports sector and the welfare of the sporting fraternity.

2.7.3 therefore resolve that:

2.7.3.1 That in order to fully realise the implementation of the vision of building a competitive sporting nation we must resource sport in the country from the public fiscus at all levels.

2.7.3.2 That the MIG must be ring-fenced so as to facilitate investments in sports and recreation infrastructure,

2.7.3.3 the utilisation of transformation charters and score-cards to transform Sporting Franchises', Sporting Councils and Federations and the High Performance Centres must focus on local talent development, this includes targeting developing sporting facilities that are historically not available in other parts of the country, e.g. swimming.

2.7.3.4 The Adopted National Sport and Recreation plan (NRSP) must include the decision to implement the quotas as a means to attain sporting excellence in the medium term.

2.7.4 further resolve that:

2.7.4.1 We must continue to use school sport as the bedrock for sport development and excellence, this includes ensuring that sport becomes compulsory in schools

2.7.4.2 We focus on indigenous and grassroots sport development over the next 10 years so that the need for quotas is phased out.

2.7.4.3 All sport facilities must enable access to people with disabilities and that special attention must be paid to children with disabilities.

2.7.4.4 Sport development must also include targeting active ageing programme and this must be done working with all sectors of society and continue to promote community sport so as to nurture and develop local talent.

2.7.5 Arts and Culture

2.7.5.1 noting that:

2.7.5.1.1 Arts, Culture and Heritage play an important role in nation building.

2.7.5.1.2 This sector can play a role in contributing to the growth and development of society.

2.7.5.2 further noting that:

2.7.5.2.1 There has been progress in the implementation of the White Paper on Arts and Culture, which focuses on the promotion of arts, culture, and heritage as a contributor to addressing key economic, social and environmental challenges.

2.7.5.2.2 a strategy to enhance economic contribution of the of the arts, crafts and cultural talent has been proposed, which is coupled with the establishment of the National Academy, audience development which seeks to ensure that there are Arts facilitators in schools.

2.7.5.3 therefore resolve that:

2.7.5.3.1 Review the White Paper on Arts and Culture to ensure that this sector continues to play a role in the economy and build a socially inclusive society, this includes creating much needed work opportunities.

2.7.5.3.2 Working together with the Artist and other government institutes we must ensure the protection of the artists, including the development of a strategy to fight piracy.

2.7.5.3.3 We should ensure the development and promotion of indigenous language, with a view to include the programme in the curriculum.

And that an indigenous language policy which seeks to ensure that one African language should be compulsory in schools depending on the region should be developed in 2014.

2.7.5.3.4 That special emphasis should be placed on promoting the arts in indigenous and historically marginalised communities, to ensure the building of patriotism and national consciousness.

2.7.5.3.5 The ANC must actively promote the national anthem of the country as it currently exists, whenever the ANC sings the original Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika it should not be referred to as the national anthem.

2.7.6 Cultural Heritage

2.7.6.1 noting that:

2.7.6.1.1 Heritage plays a pivotal role in promoting nation building.

2.7.6.1.2 In order to promote and preserve our rich heritage, we have since adopted a comprehensive programme on liberation heritage 2.7.6.1.3 The South African society is diverse with many cultures;

2.7.6.1.4 The Freedom Charter enjoins us to protect the rights for all the people, regardless of race, colour or sex.

2.7.6.2 further noting:

2.7.6.2.1 In the past eighteen years, we have made progress in ensuring that there is respect for different cultural practices and that there is still a lack of understanding and respect of each other's culture.

2.7.6.3 therefore resolve that:

2.7.6.3.1 We promote and preserve our cultural heritage but ensure that all cultural practices are not in conflict with the South African Constitution with special reference to human rights and gender

2.7.6.3.2 All patriarchal practices must be discouraged and that practices such as ukuthwalwa and ukungenwa which are in their nature gender oppressive and abusive to women and children must be outlawed.

2.7.6.3.3 Measures to reduce Xenophobia and to protect people from discrimination based on sexual orientation.

2.8 On Water Provision

2.8.1 noting that:

2.8.1.1 Water is a scarce commodity and that in the near future we will be faced with the challenge of water shortages.

2.8.1.2 That there have been efforts made by government to ensure that we preserve water, also produce clean quality water.

2.8.1.3 That our vision remains that of ensuring that people have access to clean and quality water.

2.8.2 therefore resolve that:

2.8.2.1 We must implement policy by reviewing current legislation, to facilitate the removal of unused and inequitable allocations from entitlement holders in order to ensure more equitable distribution of water.

2.8.2.2 The abolishment of water trading and changing the funding model for the development and maintenance of infrastructure.

2.8.2.3 The need for further exploration of conservation initiatives including restriction on the number of golf courses in a particular radius.

2.8.2.4 we must develop small dams especially in rural areas as part of water conservation.

2.8.2.5 We must urgently provide every household with quality, clean water which in the short term may include portable purification tanks and water tanks for rain water harvesting to promote food security.

2.9 On Human Settlements

2.9.1 noting that:

2.9.1.1 In the past eighteen years we have been able to create decent shelter for people through different forms of housing.

2.9.1.2 Having tested the integrated Human settlements e.g. N2 Joe Slovo project in Cape Town, Cornubia in Durban, COSMO City in Joburg and Lephalale in Limpopo. The ANC took a decision to move away from the concept of provision of housing to the creation of Human Settlements and therefore change of label and of the mandate. And we have now continued with a human settlements mandate which now includes safe haven in East London.

2.9.2 further noting that:

2.9.2.1 There are still challenges with regards to the availability of land for decent housing and also challenges with the establishment of residential areas in well located land closer to development and places of work 2.9.2.2 The situation has been made worse through towns and cities that are not being geared for increased level of migration as apartheid influx control policies stunted natural migration patterns.

2.9.2.3 There are still dysfunctional spatial development and planning systems and implementation across the country.

2.9.2.4 A substantial segment of South Africans continue to live in inadequate and precarious settlements.

2.9.3 therefore resolve that:

2.9.3.1 We must accelerate the development of a human settlements legislation, that is comprehensive.

2.9.3.2 We continue to build integrated settlements that includes all social amenities such as parks, crèches, clinics, schools, roads and this is in part also advancing the programme on SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT (SIP)18 OF THE PICC, this includes.

2.9.3.3 As part of building integrated communities we must continue to transform hostels so as to conform to human settlements, e.g. Jabulani Hostels in SOWETO.

2.9.3.4 As part of human settlement development we will continue to use housing cooperatives so as to create much needed employment in communities and ensure ownership.

2.9.3.5 We accelerate the implementation of the decision to release state owned land, including municipal land to allow for development of human settlement, which will facilitate the deracialization and socio-economic integration of communities, through the Housing Development Agency.

2.9.3.6 We must continue to work with the private sector in particular financial institutions to provide housing for the gap market.

2.9.3.7 We must develop legislation to ban land invasion and in particular land earmarked for development.

2.10 On Environmental Protection and the Green Economy

2.10.1 noting that:

2.10.1.1 Climate change has a negative, economic and social impact on the lives of the people and in particular the most vulnerable in society.

2.10.1.2 We hosted the WSSD and COP17 to contribute towards a just and fair world that protects its environment and promote sustainable development.

2.10.2 therefore resolve that:

2.10.2.1 We must drive the global efforts to achieve the stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that prevents dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system; and

2.10.2.2 We must implement green economy policy programmes

2.10.2.3 We must adapt to and manage unavoidable and potential damaging climate change impacts through interventions that build and sustain our social, economic and environmental resilience.

2.10.2.4 We have to move towards a more sustainable development path that will create new green jobs, which may help to offset employment losses experienced in other sectors; open up new investment opportunities and export markets; support the creation of a knowledge based economy and allow South Africa to set standards and demonstrate thought leadership.

Source: African National Congress. The full and original text of the resolutions can be accessed here - PDF.

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