STATEMENT OF ANC NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE

The ANC National Working Committee (NWC), meeting in Bloemfontein today (13 October 2008), has decided to summarily suspend the ANC membership of Mosiuoa Lekota and Mluleki George with immediate effect.

This is in line with Rule 25.12 of the ANC Constitution which authorises the NWC to summarily suspend the membership of any member pending the institution and conclusion of disciplinary proceedings against them.

The NWC has agreed to convene a special meeting of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) this Wednesday where the matter will receive further attention.

The ANC will take similar action against any other members who have indicated in words or action their intention to establish a party in opposition to the ANC.

The NWC will recommend to the NEC that provincial structures be directed to take disciplinary action against such individuals. These matters should be processed at the relevant level of the organisation according to its normal rules and procedures.

The NWC believes that this action will address any confusion that may have been created by people speaking for the ANC at meetings not arranged or sanctioned by the ANC.

The ANC cannot allow its structures to be used for purposes of undermining and betraying the organisation.

While the ANC respects the right of any South African to form a political party, the NWC reiterates the fundamental principle that all ANC members have voluntarily undertaken to respect its decisions, internal processes and democratically-elected structures.

Whatever grievances or concerns any ANC members may have, that does not give them a licence to defy decisions of ANC structures, to destabilise the organisation, or to engage in factional activity.

Statement issued by the National Working Committee of the African National Congress October 13 2008