Statement of NEC meeting held on 15-17 March 2013

The National Executive Committee of the African National Congress met at the Saint George Hotel for three days (15th-17th March 2013). The NEC meeting focused on two issues in the main. These are: the induction of the NEC members and the consideration of the NWC reports to the NEC.

The induction of the NEC focused on the Constitution of the ANC, the Strategy and Tactics document and the Freedom Charter. The objective of the induction based on these documents is critical in ensuring a common understanding and interpretation of these documents, as these are key determinants in the management of our political responsibility and conduct of our leaders and members. The NEC agreed that these documents will be standardized and presented to all structures of the ANC.

The NEC received reports from the NWC that covered Limpopo, the North West, the Free State, the Eastern Cape and the ANCYL. The reports follow an engagement of these provinces on identified challenges and the mandate that was given to the NWC by the NEC.

Progress towards convening of the Provincial Conference in the Free State Province has been registered. Membership audit is completed and Branch General Meetings (BGMs) have started. In view of progress and practical challenges, the deadline of holding the conference has been deferred by a month to the end of April.

On the issue of the North West, the NEC agreed that the killing of Comrade Chika and the subsequent arrest of some of the provincial leaders of the ANC and the Youth League have thrown the province into a crisis situation. The NEC is of the view that the situation warrants tough action. In line with the resolutions of the 53rd National Conference to enforce discipline, the NEC endorsed the temporarily suspension of the membership of ANC members who are fingered.

Charges will be preferred against these members as soon as they are charged in the legal system. This decision will have implication for other serious cases before the courts to ensure that the ANC is consistent in the application of discipline. Investigation is underway on how best can the ANC deal with cases that predate the 53rd National Conference.

The matter of the conduct of ANC Caucus members in Tlokwe municipality that led to the irregular removal of the Mayor, the NEC has mandated the NWC to follow through the matter following the re-instatement of the Mayor.

In this regard the NWC will guide the province on how to deal with the case of the councillors concerned to ensure that appropriate action is taken. On the issue of the suspension of the Chief Whip of Tlokwe, the NEC decided to reinstate the Chief Whip immediately as it viewed it as unfair to isolate him from the rest of the affected councillors. He will however not be reinstated as Chief Whip. The NWC will form teams to hold meetings with the community of Tlokwe once the process is concluded.

On the issue of the two Mayors in Ngaka Modiri Molema region that were removed by the PEC, the NEC has mandated the NWC to engage ANC structures in the region with a view to resolve the matter and take action where necessary.

With regards to the Mayoral Committee Member of Mahikeng, who was removed from her position as an MMC for Finance for giving evidence to the NWC, the NEC decided that she should be reinstated because failure to do so will create a negative climate where ANC members will be intimidated from speaking up. The NWC has been tasked by the NEC to continue dealing with instability at the level of municipalities in the North West to turn the situation around.

The NEC received a report on the situation of municipalities in the Eastern Cape following a visit by the National Officials. Having had discussions with the structures, the PEC submitted a report and proposals to stabilize the municipalities. The NWC supported the proposals.

Subsequently a number of changes have taken place in the Nelson Mandela Metro. These include the replacement of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor in the Nelson Mandela Metro. The National Officials will be visiting the Council of Mbizana and other municipalities to deal with challenges that have been identified.

On the issue of Limpopo, the NEC resolved that the PEC be dissolved and be replaced with an interim structure that will be given no more than 9 months to work towards convening a provincial conference. The PEC has been dissolved for displaying totally un-ANC behaviour and institutionalized factional conduct within the provincial leadership.

In selecting the interim structure emphasis was made that it should not be a faction replacing another faction. Officials will process a list of the Provincial Task Team in their next meeting and a Provincial General Council (PGC) will be convened in the province on Sunday 24th March 2013.

Following the interaction between the ANC National Officials and the leadership of the ANCYL a report responding to issues raised by the National Officials was received and considered. The NEC resolved to dissolve the NEC of the ANCYL as a consequence of its continued ill-disciplined behaviour that brought the organization into disrepute on numerous occasions.

An Interim Team will be selected and put in place by the NWC. In respect of the pending provincial and regional conferences of the ANCYL, the NEC has instructed that they be stopped immediately with a view of the Interim Committee taking over and directing such processes.

In line with the decision of the 53rd National Conference on the establishment of the Integrity Commission, the Commission was formally established and guidelines were approved by the NEC. The following Comrades were endorsed by the NEC:

• Andrew Mlangeni (Chairperson)
• Frene Ginwala
• Nelson Diale
• Gertrude Shope
• Ahmed Kathrada
• Rashida Abdullah
• Mendi Msimang
• Sophie De Bruyn
• Jethro Ndlovu
• Dennis Goldberg
• Lindelwa Mabandla
• Advocate Nokukhanya Jele (Commission Secretariat)

The NEC also considered the names of the Parliamentary Political Committee. The following names were approved:

• Jeff Radebe (Chairperson)
• Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula
• Derek Hanekom
• Nathi Mthethwa
• Sue Van Der Merwe
• Bathabile Dlamini
• Susan Shabangu
• Gugile Nkwinti
• Naledi Pandor
• Kgalema Motlanthe
• Nelson Diale
• Presiding Officers and Chief Whips from both Houses

With regards to the work of the Disciplinary Committee of the ANC, the NEC discussed and approved the National Presenters. The following names were approved:

• Uriel Abrahamse
• Andries Nel
• Gcina Malindi
• Mahlape Sello

Statement issued by Gwede Mantashe, ANC Secretary General, March 18 2013

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