It would seem that the African National Congress (ANC) needs hostage negotiators to free its leaders from corruption, which it says is holding them hostage.
This past weekend, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) met in Boksburg, Ekhurhuleni, to discuss, among other things, the failure to hold those implicated in State Capture accountable, factionalism within the party and the need to take a harsher stance on members accused of crimes against women.
The NEC comprises senior ANC leaders chosen to make major decisions and guide the party on important issues. They discuss how the ANC should handle national problems, how to keep the party strong and trustworthy, and what strategies to use in upcoming elections.
Last week’s NEC meeting was the second since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in June, and renewal was featured heavily on the agenda.
The NEC admitted that the party’s inability to deal with corrupt elements within its ranks could be due to its leadership structures being held “hostage” by them.
The four-day conference culminated with a speech from ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, who called for a return to what the ANC was created for: Helping South Africans. “Accordingly we must continue the transformation of our country, to create work and opportunity, to end poverty and hunger, and to ensure that all South Africans, men, women and children, are able to live in peace and safety,” he said.
Ramaphosa also announced a mandatory political education foundation course for all its members. They must complete it by December 2026, or they will not be able to compete for leadership positions. Former Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said the course registration process should double as a re-signing moment for party members. The party has targeted getting at least 600,000 members on board for the course next year.
The ANC’s Integrity Commission (IC) presented terms of reference on how it will act against members accused of crimes against women and children. The NEC also approved a move to create an appeals body that members can use to appeal decisions taken by the IC. They’ve also decided to set up integrity committees provincially to deal with provincial squabbles.
While the ANC seeks renewal (as usual), it remains to be seen if the NEC’s recommendations will be implemented. The ANC often has big ideas but lacks implementation, especially when dealing with rogues. But who knows, maybe the May 2024 Election results have lit a fire under an organisation that seriously needs a reality check.