‘United MK vets vital’

The ANC national executive committee (NEC) believes that a united Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) veterans’ structure is important to ultimately ensure that the governing party is itself united again, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said yesterday.

“We had a NEC meeting last week at which this matter was discussed. The unity of the MK is essential for the unity of the ANC,” Sisulu said to loud applause from delegates at the MK national council’s conference in Johannesburg.

The NEC is the highest organ of the ANC between national conferences and has the authority to lead the organisation.

Sisulu said the NEC assessed the situation in the MK, which was the armed wing of the ANC during the struggle against apartheid.

She said they were assured that all necessary steps would be taken in consultation with the ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe and representatives of both warring factions, the MK National Council and the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association, to ensure unity.

“That was meant to ensure that we arrive at a united meeting today. I do not know what happened, but whatever it is … my request on behalf of the ANC is that all of us rise above all that has taken place,” said Sisulu.

Thembisile Majola, the deputy minister of energy, said alliance partners – including the Congress of South African Trade Unions, South African National Civic Organisation and ANC leagues – were invited to address the conference, but they did not show up.

“We will still hold this conference despite the lack of funding and attendance … because we believe we have a responsibility to save this glorious movement,” said Sisulu. – ANA