Statement by the ANC Gauteng Province on the outcomes of the special Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting with Tshwane branches

8 March 2020

The African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) held a special Provincial Executive Committee meeting with ANC Tshwane branches on Sunday, March 08 2020, at St George Hotel in Irene, Tshwane.

Held under the theme #GrowingTshwaneTogether the Special PEC formally received information on the dissolution of the Tshwane Municipality by the Gauteng Provincial Government. The Special PEC meeting was attended by PEC members, NEC deployees, Leagues' of the ANC, Alliance Representatives' and Branch Executive Committees.

The Special PEC defined a clear strategic perspective informed by cardinal pillars that would underpin the work we do during our political term by resolving that everything we do and say should be anchored on the desire to unite the ANC, being of service to the people, to demand the highest ethical standards and integrity from all our members and to renew our commitment to the values of the movement, including renewing our interaction with the people. The Special PEC meeting also took time to reflect on the divisions within the rank and file of the organization and the primary importance of executing the tasks of unity, service, integrity and renewal. The upcoming local government elections should not be seen or used as "phumangingene", thus deepening the divisions in the organization.

The ANC will henceforth be humbling itself and assure our communities that their well being is more than just a concern to us. We reminded ourselves of the teachings of President O.R. Tambo, when he prophesied on what divisions can do to the organization.

"Wage a relentless war against disrupters and defend the ANC against provocateurs and enemy agents. Defend the revolution against enemy propaganda, whatever form it takes. Be vigilant, comrades. The enemy is vigilant. Beware of the wedge-driver, the man who creeps from ear to ear, carrying a bag full of wedges, driving them in between you and the next man. Between a group and another. A man who goes round creating splits and divisions. Beware of the wedge driver, comrades."

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

The Special PEC meeting noted that GPG has taken a decision to invoke section 139(1)(c) of the Constitution to dissolve the Tshwane Municipal Council and place it under administration, is awaiting the concurrence by the Minister and the National Council of Provinces within 14 days of receipt of the written notices.

That GPG has a constitutional responsibility and obligation to the residents of Tshwane to create stability and ascertain continuity of service delivery, the Special PEC supported the decision to dissolve Tshwane Municipal Council. That from today, Tuesday March 10 to Thursday March 12 2020, the Premier and Members of the Executive Council will engage and report to stakeholders and communities in the City of Tshwane on the decision to dissolve the Municipal Council and further consult them on the urgent service delivery issues that must receive priority attention.

The meeting also appreciated that the Provincial Executive Council has submitted written notices to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the Speaker of the Council on Friday March 06 2020 and that the process of appointing the Administrator for the City is underway, however the Administrator will only be able to assume official duties after 14 days, once there is concurrence from the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the National Council of Provinces, that the local government elections will take place in the next 90 days or 3 months and therefore we have no time to waste but to be in the campaign.

These elections will indicate if indeed we have managed to convince the people of Tshwane to once more give the ANC a fresh mandate to govern and that it's a fallacy that where the DA governs, it governs well.

The restoration of stability and governance in the City of Tshwane is the most important and key priority 
at this point in time.

Issued by Jacob Khawe, ANC Gauteng Provincial Secretary, 8 March 2020