Disunity in EC a ‘thing of the past’

Disunity and discord in the provincial ANC is a thing of the past, said party provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi on Thursday as the party gears up for the provincial launch of its manifesto this weekend.

Ngcukayitobi said the Eastern Cape ANC agreed to push for economic growth, with its main focus on catalytic projects.

He was adamant the provincial executive had rooted out division in the province despite recent signs of factional battles in some regions.

Two weeks ago ANC factions had to be pulled apart in Amahlathi municipality during a meeting to discuss the election of a new troika.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, the region, disbanded in October, still refuses to accept the provincial executive’s decision to appoint a regional task team.

Late last year, the disgruntled ANC Nelson Mandela Bay regional executive committee vowed to appeal the decision with the national executive.

Ngcukayitobi said: “People of the Eastern Cape are focused on their development. Inside the organisation there is no negativity.”

ANC deputy president David Mabuza is expected to tackle some of these differences when he delivers his keynote address at the manifesto launch in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) on Saturday.

The event will be preceded by a gala dinner in Mthatha where ANC heavyweights and business elite will be wooed to reach into their pockets for muchneeded party funding for election work.

ANC treasurer Babalo Madikizela said a good number of captains of industry and business elites had indicated their attendance on Friday night.

Guests will pay from R50,000 a table and those able to afford to dine with or close to Mabuza could pay R500,000.

Ngcukayitobi said the party decided to host its manifesto in KwaBhaca because of the service delivery challenges there. This is the first time the manifesto will be held in the Alfred Nzo region.

About 20,000 people are expected to attend the event at the sports ground. The stadium holds 15,000 and the rest will be on the grounds.