Masualle camp snub executive meeting
EASTERN Cape ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) members aligned to former provincial chairman Phumulo Masualle snubbed the first PEC meeting at Dan’s Country Lodge outside Mthatha at the weekend.
However, the meeting went ahead and a new provincial working committee (PWC) was elected.
The election of the PWC comes while there is still a pending court case with disgruntled party members wanting the East London elective conference of two weeks ago declared invalid after delegates fought over credentials.
Additional PEC members Nomakhosazana Meth, Zukiswa Ncitha, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Weziwe Tikana, Fundile Gade, Loyiso Magqashela, Tokozile Sokanyile, Lindelwa Dunjwa, Xolile Nqatha and representatives of the leagues, will join the top five in the PWC. Masualle’s supporters include Amathole regional secretary Teris Ntutu and his chairman KC Maneli, Dr WB Rubusana regional chairman Xola Pakati, Nelson Mandela Bay regional secretary Themba Xathule and chairman Phumzile Tshuni, Chris Hani chairwoman Kholiswa Vimbayo.
Others who did not pitch, were Joe Gqabi regional secretary Mfundo Bongela and chairman Shoes Dumzela, ANCWL provincial secretary Nolitha Ntobongwana and provincial Veterans League secretary Phumza Dyantyi.
ANC national spokesman, Zizi Kodwa said on Sunday the provincial chairman Oscar Mabuyane’s-led PEC would have to unite the party post the conference.
“Once the conference takes place, the onus is on the leadership to build unity and I think this leadership appreciates and understands that responsibility,” Kodwa said
“They must go beyond the fact that they were contested and must extend an olive branch to other members,” he added.
Mabuyane said their task now was to unite the province primarily towards the upcoming 54th national conference.
“As a province we must lead the efforts aimed at uniting the ANC, because amongst the key solutions to the problems facing our movement is the question of unity of common purpose,” Mabuyane said.
He said from this point onwards, they vow to lead people in their struggle for a better life. “I have a heavy heart as a result of the unfortunate incidents of violence that took place in the conference.
“As a matter of principle, as this leadership we must strongly condemn the acts of violence in ANC gatherings – no matter who is right and who is wrong.
“We also would like to wish all those who were injured, a speedy recovery,” he said.
Ntutu said they snubbed the Mthatha meeting because they did not recognise the current PEC.
“The PEC we know is that which is led by comrade Phumulo Masualle because the ICC conference collapsed unless the national officials and the national working committee decide otherwise,” Ntutu said.
“We are therefore awaiting the decision of Luthuli House and we shall accept whatever verdict they issue on the matter and oblige,” he said. — /