ANC needs ‘no tensions’

The ANC wants the two centres of power efficiently “managed” to avoid tensions and the situation that led to the recall of former president Thabo Mbeki, the ruling party said yesterday.

Fikile Mbalula briefed journalists on the outcome of the party’s Organisational Renewal Commission. The two centres of power referred to are the government arm and the governing party.

“Management means you handle things properly… Do things in an organised way, there should not be tensions such as the recall of [former president] Thabo Mbeki. Remember Polokwane [2007 conference]? ... We were exactly where we are today, where the president was president of the country only and no longer of the ANC,” Mbalula told journalists.

Mbeki was removed by the party’s highest decision making body – the national executive committee (NEC) – in 2008, following former ANC president Jacob Zuma’s victory at the Polokwane conference.

He then resigned as tensions between him and supporters of Zuma continued. Mbeki was accused of using state apparatus to discredit and undermine Zuma.

On measures to strengthen and grow the ANC, Mbalula said delegates agreed that two membership categories be established, that of supporters and members. A portion of the party membership fee be shared with branches.

“The commission wants branches to be involved in community activities. Modern, technologically advanced membership management systems should be implemented , and allow electronic membership renewal.”

The commission further wants its NEC to discuss the proposal that members vote directly for them. The matter would be under discussions leading to the national general council.

Other proposals include that those wishing to contest for ANC leadership declare their financial interests and source of funding used in campaigning, support its leagues – especially the women’s – in ensuring gender equity, more so in the party’s top six leadership.

“The question of gender equity applies across, so that that job is not only left to the ANCWL [Women’s League] to deal with,” said Mbalula.

He said the commission wants the Integrity Commission – tasked with dealing with members bringing the party into disrepute – to be given more cloud and its decisions be binding and final. – ANA