ANC NEC calls for unity in EC structures

Political turmoil must halt ahead of conferences

THE ANC’s Oscar Mabuyane-led provincial executive committee in the Eastern Cape has been urged by its national counterpart to put an end to the ongoing disunity within the party in the province.

The PEC, together with NEC deployees to the province, were tasked on Monday to work together and ensure unity by putting an end to political turmoil ahead of upcoming regional conferences which start before the end of July.

The announcement was made in a press statement to the media yesterday following a special NEC session held in Johannesburg on Monday.

ANC national spokesman Pule Mabe said the meeting was held to consider reports on the state of provincial ANC structures including the Eastern Cape.

This comes as the Eastern Cape amid disputes marring the political landscape including an ongoing court case over the legitimacy of Mabuyane’s PEC, which emerged from the chaotic December 2017 elective conference.

At Monday’s special meeting, the NEC maintained its stance against the use of the courts by party members to sort out internal squabbles and not internal dispute resolution structures.

“[The special NEC] implored responsible leadership structures and collectives at all levels to abide by the spirit of the ANC constitution in how they oversee and run organisational processes, and give ANC members the space to be heard and raise their grievances and complaints. It urges members to utilise internal processes.”

Mabe said the meeting was also to check and advise about general preparations for regional and provincial conferences.

In a statement to the Dispatch last night, ANC secretary Ace Magashule said: “The special NEC noted the update on the audit and preparations for regional conferences in the Eastern Cape and urged the national officials to ensure an urgent political programme, working with the PEC and NEC deployees to facilitate a political solution that will ultimately aid unity and renewal given the organisational challenges, including ongoing litigation.” —