ANC statement on the outcomes of the National Working Committee meeting held on 3rd July 2023
5 July 2023
The National Working Committee of the African National Congress (NWC) met on Monday, the 3rd of July, 2023. This meeting occurred immediately after the weekend the African National Congress Youth League successfully convened its long-awaited National Congress. This media briefing is to inform the nation of the outcomes of the NWC meeting and the way forward concerning matters deliberated upon and their impact on the ANC, the country, and world.
ANC YOUTH LEAGUE 26th NATIONAL CONGRESS
Over the weekend of 30 June — 02 July, the African National Congress Youth League successfully convened its 26th National Congress. The ANC NWC welcomes this significant political milestone as the ANCYL will now effectively position itself as the true champion of youth development while simultaneously mobilising them behind the vision of the ANC, as elaborated in its twin tasks mission statement.
The ANCYL 26th National Congress was convened under the "Programme of Action for Economic Freedom and Social Change " theme. Now and Not Later." Arising from political discussions at the ANCYL National Congress reaffirmed the organisation's integrity, underpinned by its autonomy. Critical in this regard is that National Congress delegates committed themselves to organisational renewal under the leadership of their newly elected officials and NEC, which will ensure sustainability beyond the current leaders and members of the ANCYL
The ANC fully supported the ANCYL NYTT to convene this National Congress without interfering with the autonomous political processes on political content and leadership preferences. The ANC will continue to defend the autonomy of the ANCYL because it is only in that way that the ANCYL leadership at all levels can truly and fearlessly champion youth interests and thereby be relevant to the youth of our country.
Therefore, the ANC urged the ANCYL to live up to its historic mission of championing youth interests while mobilising them behind the vision of the ANC. The ANC emphasised that the ANCYL must fearlessly define its autonomous role as a disciplined integral to the ANC. The NWC was confident that given the political climate under which the ANCYL National Congress was convened, both the leadership and membership of the ANCYL would now have a deeper appreciation of the importance of building a stronger organisation and thereby never repeat the mistakes of the recent past wherein the organisation was in perpetual limbo for about eight years, without a duly elected National Executive Committee.
The ANCYL is now better positioned to champion youth development concerning combating youth unemployment, expanding youth entrepreneurship opportunities, and spearheading skills development in industry areas relevant to the economy.
The ANC recognises and accepts that it is like young people to be impatient with change, and we are looking forward to a vibrant, militant, radical, disciplined, and autonomous ANCYL.
The Top Six Officials that were elected without being contested at the ANCYL 26th National Congress were:
(a) President — Cde Collen Malatjie
(b) Deputy President— Cde Phumzile Mgcina
(c) Secretary General - Cde Mntuwoxolo Ngudle
(d) First Deputy Secretary General — Cde Tsakani Shiviti
(e) Second Deputy Secretary General — Cde Olga Seate
(f) Treasurer General — Cde Zwelo Masilela
The ANCYL 26th National Congress also successfully elected additional members to constitute the National Executive Committee.
ANC WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE
The NWC welcomed the successful sitting of the Western Cape Provincial Conference, which will help consolidate our political and organisational programs in the province. The newly elected PEC must be aligned with their roles and responsibilities.
The ANC manifesto review process is at an advanced stage, and both tie manifesto and the guidelines for the candidates' selection process will be presented before the National Executive Committee for consideration and adoption at the meeting to be held from Friday to Sunday this coming weekend. The manifesto review will occur on Monday following the NEC meeting and be reported to the public. The implementation of the manifesto remains a commitment of the ANC to the people of South Africa, and it will outline what the ANC has achieved over the past five years. After the NEC Meeting, we will report to the nation on the Manifesto Review process under the theme: "How far have we gone — to implement Let's grow South Africa together. "
LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT
The ANC is seized with a process to assess leadership performances during the current government administration.
This will enable optimal deployment by tie ANC in the future. Leadership assessment will further ensure that all the ANC deployees in government will be held accountable for their work in governance. This will also resolve challenges of service delivery challenges in the country.
SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SOLIDARITY
The NWC received a report on the Settlement Agreement with Solidarity. This followed the claims by Solidarity that the new regulations on the implementation of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill were biased against minority groups and, therefore, in violation of the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention 111 of 1958.
This meeting between the Minister of Employment and Labour and Solidarity was convened under the national mediation process, a new requirement introduced by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Through this provision, the government needed to demonstrate that the allegations put forth by Solidarity were incorrect and damaging to the brand South Africa, hence the need for the Settlement Agreement. The agreement stipulates that Employment Equity is not one fit but that provincial variations must be considered.
The propaganda, characterised by distortions of the Employment Equity Amendment Bill and the subsequently proposed regulations, wrongfully suggested that the result of the amendments would be the disposal of coloureds and Indians from jobs and replacement of them with Africans.
Some political parties have henceforth grossly misled the masses of our people on this as a way of garnering votes in what is a re-igniting of the apartheid era "swart gevaar" tactics by creating a fictitious racial gulf premised on baseless fears between Africans on the one hand and Indians and Coloureds on the other.
The NWC emphasised the importance of the ANC participating in public hearings to debunk this propaganda which is fashioned as a cheap electioneering strategy at the expense of truth by perpetuating racial polarisation. The ANC remains committed to resolving the National Question.
The NWC further highlighted the paramountcy of class analysis as a uniting and overarching ideological paradigm, spanning all formerly oppressed and marginalised black people, this being inclusive of Coloureds, Africans, and Indians and in sharp contrast to this new "black gevaar”' of divide and rule tactics that polarise society. The ANC will continue to support Affirmative Action and Employment Equity, but not as a job reservations tactic, which was notoriously applied by the apartheid regime. The ANC holds the firm belief that Black Africans include Indians and coloreds.
Therefore, the Settlement Agreement aimed to debunk the myth that Employment Equity was unconstitutional or violated the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention number 111 of 1958. The NWC further reiterates that these regulations are up for public consultations and call on all our people and our structures to participate in these public hearings as we strive for a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous society, which is informed by our class analysis and not racial balkanization of society.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The NWC noted the ongoing socio-economic transformation challenges pertaining to the high cost of living, energy challenges, and general matters of national transformation.
National Transformation: The NWC discussed the continued challenges of implementing the BBBEE. Which was further highlighted at the Black Business Summit convened by the Black Business Council. The ANC will strengthen its monitoring of the implementation of the BBBEE both in the public and private sectors, with proposed timeframes on the accelerated implementation of BBBEE. Our Constitutional democracy will be hollow without attaining socio-economic equality across race, gender, and class.
Energy: Following months of sustained load-shedding and the subsequent appointment of a Minister in the Presidency for electricity to coordinate and drive the govemment response restoring energy security, the interventions at Eskom are beginning to show definite signs of a turnaround, which will see South Africa being relieved from the devastating socio-economic impact of energy shortfalls.
Since 08 May 2023, a range of key performance indicators have all shown signs of sustained improvements. These include that Generation Output improved from a low of 25759 MW (average for 08-12 May 2023, to 29092 MW average for the last week of June (26-30 June 2023). For the Month of June 2023, the average generation stabilized at around 29000MW.
As part of the Winter 2023, planned outages were to be contained below 3000MW. This has been achieved, but with improved generation and lower demand, planned maintenance has bridged 3000MW during June. This affirms the appropriateness of commitment to maintenance as part of efforts to restore the reliability and stability of the fleet.
Unplanned outages, Partial Load Losses (due to generating units not performing optimally), and outage delays (non-return to service on planned dates) continue to consume around 3000MW of generation capacity. The Power station managers are dedicating responses per fault type, with boiler tube leaks being a persistent cause of generation capacity losses.
The NWC noted that there have been challenges with energy, and the Minister of Electricity, Dr Sputla Ramokgopa continues to successfully combat the challenges facing Eskom. The Eskom board, management and all employees must be commended for carrying out their roles diligently and ensuring that the challenge of loadshedding is addressed Partial Load Losses (PLLs) have fallen from a high of 18125MW for the week 08-12 May 2023 to 15440MW for the last week 26-30 June 2023. During June 2023, PLLs averaged 15540 MW compared to 17369 MW for June 2023.
Demand has also tracked lower than the anticipated band of 32000MW-34000MW (winter projection) and has stabilised at 30m0MW for eight weeks from 08 May to 30 June 2023.
The improvements are attributed to increased capacity as a result of the return to service of coal generating units previously decommissioned, improved demand management (consumers being more conscious about energy usage), the increase in yields from Wind Generation, as well as large power users shutting down plants for planned maintenance during the June month)
The improved performance in a generation has resulted in an upward trend in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) and a reduction in the severity of load shedding from daily stages 4-6 to stages 1-3 for the last two weeks of June 2023, with stage 3 largely only during evening peaks with the remaining part of the day (up to 16 hours) subject to only one stage of load shedding.
Cost of living: The NWC noted that 7.1% inflation is well beyond the interest targeting range, leading to a higher cost of living. While the NWC said the continued correctness of the social grant policy enabling indigent individuals to receive R350 per month, the NWC further upheld and appreciated that the masses of the people, first and foremost want jobs as the basis for sustainable livelihood.
The NWC noted the importance of the Reserve Bank working with the Treasury to effect measures to mitigate against high inflation, such as expanding consumer basket goods earmarked for zero rating. In creating employment for sustainable livelihood, the government must look into public works projects such as pothole repairs on roads, road and bridge construction, and increasing sewage capacity to improve the health conditions of our people.
MEETING WITH THE SACP
The ANC and the SACP agreed that the meeting was long overdue while welcoming the opportunity to meet. High on the agenda of this meeting was organisational and governance issues. On the African Leaders Peace Mission to Ukraine and Russia, the SACP commended the role played by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which among others focused on continental food security and trade on critical goods such as fertiliser. In addition to discussing geopolitical issues, the Alliance bilateral meeting between the ANC and the SACP also discussed the upcoming BRICS Parties-Political Plus Dialogue scheduled for the 18th to the 20th0f July 2023. The BRICS Summit is scheduled for August 2023.
Another issue discussed within the context of the state of the NDR was the high unemployment level, with 11 million people unemployed, which could be linked to the colonial—apartheid monopoly structure of the economy. It was also agreed that land redistribution must be accelerated. The SACP further called on the government to increase State economic investment.
The ANC and the SACP discussed several critical issues of mutual concern and agreed on further bilateral engagements on several topics as we advance, including the economy and energy issues. There was also consensus towards dealing with issues of violence and repression throughout the African continent, such as tie situation in Eswatini. The ANC and SACP also discussed the reconfiguration of the alliance, and his will ensure that the relationship between all alliance partners is redefined.
MEETING WITH SANCO
The ANC continues to be seized with the important task of helping SANCO attain unity and rebuilding a stronger organisation. The ANC met the various SANCO groups and Veterans. The ANC will convene a joint meeting with SANCO on the 6th of July 2023 to establish a roadmap for their unity Conference and to ensure that there is unity of SANCO through the joint integration process.
The ANC has held numerous meetings with all SANCO leaders and elders, and all parties have shown interest in ensuring unity and ending the warring factional baffles that have affected SANCO. On the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the UDF , in which many civic organisations took the lead, the unity of SANCO will be a fitting tribute to the UDF as it was characterised by unparalleled civic unity across a broad spectrum of South African society against the apartheid regime.
PUBLIC PROTECTOR REPORT
The NWC further reiterated its support of the Office of the Public Protector and welcomed the Report by the Acting Public Protector on allegations of the criminal events that took place at the Phala- Phala Farm, involving theft of money.
The ANC reiterates that only opportunists seek to abuse the provision of the Executive Ethics Code to suggest the President violated the provisions therein. The ANC welcomes the Public Protector Report, which found nothing untoward in the conduct of the President, including the fact that there was no evidence of paid work outside his duties as President of the Republic.
The ANC reiterates its alarm at the attacks on the integrity of the Office of the Public Protector merely because some disagreed with the Report by the Acting Public Protector. We view such attacks as undermining our democracy and constitutionalism. Political parties have the right to review the Public Protector report. The ANC believes that no one must attack the Public Protector and no women must be violated and grossly attacked. As the ANC, we firmly believe that we must always respect the rule of law and the role played by the Public Protector. As the ANC, we firmly believe that all Chapter Nine institutions must be respected, and there should be non-interference in their roles and responsibilities.
NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON RUSSIA / UKRAINE CONFLICT
The ANC convened a public engagement through a National Dialogue on the Russia / Ukraine Conflict, which saw the participation of various ambassadors, academics, public commentators, ANC deployees, and almost 200 guests.
It was a successful event and further solidified our position as a messenger of peace and not war. Again, the ANC reiterated its policy stance of non-alignment and anti-war posture. The ANC firmly believes that to achieve peace and concord. There is nothing better than communication and personal contact. Dialogue is a way of peace suitable for solving interpersonal, national, and international tensions. Peace and prosperity depend on increasing interaction with others and building bridges with other civilisations. Furthermore, for this, dialogue is essential.
This National Dialogue on the Russia and Ukraine Conflict appreciated that our non-aligned and anti-war stances enabled our country, represented by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to effectively and directly participate in the African Leadership Peace Mission, meeting both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Putin, urging them to end the war as a matter of urgency. Emerging in the dialogue also discouraged other countries from arming Russia or Ukraine because that would fuel the war and lead to grave human circumstances.
The ANC practically demonstrated that dialogue across antagonistic parties is not only possible but the only way to resolve differences and various areas of conflict, which was the premise of our negotiated settlement ushering in the new post-1994 democratic dispensation. The ANC has held many discussions with all countries involved in the war, and this was part of the peace dialogue initiative and silencing the guns globally in the presence of war and conflict.
BY-ELECTIONS AND VOTER REGISTRATION
The NWC noted the continued positive strides made by the ANC in various by-elections. The NWC notes that the increases in voter registrations will, in due course, Report on further strides being made. The ANC will focus on social categories, such as youth as first-time voters and women, on voter registration. The NWC believes churches and Amakhosi can be important in encouraging and increasing voter registration.
ANC WOMEN'S LEAGUE NATIONAL CONFERENCE
There are preparations for convening the ANC Women's League National Conference. The ANCWL National
Conference will be held from 14th to 16th July 2023 at Nasrec Expo Centre. The ANC wishes the Women’s League well and that all issues that affect he Conference are fully resolved to ensure that the Conference is successful. The ANC will play a critical role in ensuring that all the Leagues have elected leadership, and this is also aimed at advancing the Renewal project of the ANC.
BANYANA BANYANA
The ANC congratulates Banyana Banyana as they prepare to participate in the World Cup and wishes them every success. While we commend the resolution of the disputes between SAFA and Banyana Banyana, we urge SAFA to appropriately incentivize these national heroines for once more putting our country on the world map through this World Cup participation.
We thank the proactive role of the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Cde ZIZi Kodwa , for helping resolve the impasse between SAFA and Banyana Banyana. We call on corporate South Africa to fully support efforts at professionalizing women's football in South Africa. We must ensure that SAFA moves quickly to address the challenges facing women in sports. As Banyana Banyana has raised the South African tag high in Sports, SAFA can no longer be silent on women's matters.
Minister Zizi Kodwa must ensure that SAFA is transformed and promote women's participation in soccer. In addition, the Department of Arts, Culture, and Sport must set aside sufficient funds or budget to support the women's football team and attract sponsors to create better conditions and more promotion for the growth of women's football.
POLICE ROAD RAGE
The ANC was extremely alarmed by the news of a road rage incident involving members of the SAPS assigned to protect Cabinet members. This was cowardly and ran against the grain of what the SAPS must stand for to protect all members of society. Most policemen and women serve our country diligently, but such incidents put a serious blight on the police service in their selfless national service to our country. We urge IPID to investigate this matter and that the alleged perpetrators of this violence be immediately suspended and ensure consequence management in this regard should be found to be in the wrong.
The IPID must conduct its investigation and ensure that the violence ensued is addressed fully, and no stone must be left unturned. There must be consequence management immediately, and those involved must be suspended and prosecuted to the maximum if they are found guilty. We firmly believe that the law must take its course and protect innocent civilians from harm and violence. This matter must be investigated, and the public must be kept abreast of this violence.
The ANC also condemns the road rage incident that saw an off-duty SAPS police officer allegedly shot to death a metro police officer. What was unfortunate was that the violent altercation resulting in the tragic death involved two officers charged with enforcing the law. We call on the government to support all police officers, SAPS and Metro Police through appropriate occupational support as hey discharge their work mandates to avoid such incidents resulting in injury or death. We also call on the IPID to investigate this incident and ensure any possible appropriate consequence management where wrongful conduct is ascertained.
The NWC resolved that there must be checks and balances aimed at ensuring that police/protectors carry out their duties properly and are held responsible if they fail to do so. Such a system is meant to uphold integrity, deter misconduct, and restore or enhance public confidence in policing. All security personnel must be well-prepared and equipped to perform their functions professionally. Effective accountability requires a proper complaints system that is easily accessible to the public and can effectively investigate allegations, recommend disciplinary sanctions, or refer cases for criminal prosecution. It should also be able to make recommendations that target the underlying causes of misconduct.
ANC NEC MEETING
The ANC will hold its National Executive Committee meeting from Friday to Sunday this weekend. Various issues for discussion and implementation will include combating crime, employment creation, water and sanitation, and generally, the state of the economy, focusing on the relevant interventions that must be made. The ANC will be seized with accelerated implementation of its national conference resolutions on several socio-economic challenges, such as service delivery.
CONDOLENCES
The NWC dips its revolutionary banner in honor of the memory of Comrades Marhooma Khatija Cachalia, Noganiwe "Antie" Nyathela, Juned Pahad, and Sally Motlana. We convey our sincere and profound condolences to their loved ones. They will be remembered for their selfless contributions to the struggle for our freedom and democracy.
The ANC received with shock and deep sadness about the tragic passing of Comrade Dr. Danny Mokumo, who died on 03 July in a car accident involving a truck on the NI in Limpopo on his way home from the 26th ANCYL National Congress.
Comrade Dr. Danny Mokumo was the current Branch Chairperson and Branch Executive Committee in Ward
31, TJ Ledwaba branch in the Mokopane Mogalakwena subregion, which is part of the Waterberg region in the Limpopo Province. The ANC sends its deepest condolences to his family, relatives, comrades, and friends.
Issued by Mahlengi Bhengu Motsiri, National Spokesperson, ANC, 5 July 2023
