ANC in KZN calls for different bargaining process and multi-year agreement to consider pay hikes
Newspapers have reported extensively about resolutions adopted by the Provincial Governing Council (PGC) of the ANC and the proposal that suggests that salary increases for higher earners in government be temporarily frozen and a sliding scale is used to determine annual increments that will achieve a narrower gap.
I have also noted constructive criticism raised by newspaper columnists in their opinion pieces which focused on the public sector strike.
Indeed these issues came under the spotlight during PGC with all structures of the ANC such as the ANC Youth League, Women's League, MKVA, Alliance partners (COSATU and SACP) finally agreeing that efforts must be directed towards ensuring that the people of this province are never subjected to this painful experience again.
It was also proposed that there is a need for a different bargaining process and multi-year agreement which considers pay hikes in line with the performance of the economy covering all those who receive the salary from the public purse. Thereafter all leaders and individuals understand that there is justice if there is one yardstick for affordability.
The robust debate and the unity which prevailed during PGC indicate that the relations within the KwaZulu-Natal Alliance have remained good. They are characterized by the frankness on dealing with issues and respecting the autonomy of each component and cooperation on joint programmes. The reconfiguration of the alliance structures; providing for the regular and structured meetings as the Alliance Secretariat, Alliance Political Council and the Provincial Alliance Summit has ensured that there are adequate platforms to thrash issues out. Through these forums we cleared many perceptions, misunderstanding and avoided potential conflict and kept the Alliance on the right track.
We have used these platforms to emphasize the enduring need of this Revolutionary Alliance. We further indicated the need for respect for the independence of and distinct role played by each component; making it both impossible and undesirable for one component to attempt to replace the other or to wish it away.
It has been made clear to all members that individual members for various reasons may be in conflict but must never be allowed to use the names of the alliance partners to fight personal battles. The need for this Alliance is far from over and unity of Alliance is a necessity for the survival of our National Democratic Revolution.
It is the Unity in Action that has led to the stability in the Alliance and in the management of political issues and governance in this province. Challenges have arisen where some matters have not been processed in structures but Alliance partners have been to the public media. These have been followed up to ensure that no confusion is allowed and a clear direction soon emerges from Alliance to speak with one voice without skirting around or avoiding the issues.
Many matters of governance have been processed through the Alliance. For instance there has been good cooperation between the ANC and its Alliance in the formation of the provincial government and the Legislature. We must thank all the leaders of the ANC and Alliance for the support that they have given to the deployees in government.
The issue of fraud and corruption received extensive attention throughout the PGC. Informing the debate was our commitment in Polokwane that the ANC would intensify the fight against crime and corruption.
We can confirm that the ANC at both national and provincial levels has kept its focus very strongly on this revolution. During this term of office a very strong message was sent to government to very efficiently fight against corruption, fraud and abuse of resources of the State. The provincial Government has established a Fraud and Corruption Forum that coordinates the activities of all associated agencies and departments to expedite the processing of the investigations.
A number of investigations are being conducted in various departments where there is evidence to suggest wrongdoing, and there is coordination between national and provincial departmental efforts, leading to internal discipline and arrests of those suspected of committing crime. The latest activities by the Special Investigating Unit (Hawks) in the province, wherein senior government officials have been arrested and charged, bear testimony to this commitment. This sent a very strong message of our determination to fight fraud and corruption.
It is always important to emphasise the stand of the ANC against corruption. The information about investigations that get published in the media are as a result of the ANC making an effort to expose and eradicate corruption. It is incorrect to distort these and create the impression to the contrary, yet the ANC has not shied away even where its members may be found to be involved.
Statement issued by Dr Zweli Mkhize, Provincial Chairperson of the ANC, NEC: Chair of the Subcommittee on Health and Education
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