Time for renewed ANC leadership
TO join and eventually lead the ANC should, among other things, mean a commitment to lifelong learning through theory and practice. Without scientific approach and a sound theoretical basis, common sense and rhetoric can rule the roost.
The ANC led the people of our country exceedingly well during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid because it had a distinct capacity to produce a galaxy of leaders of exceptional qualities and talents. It was the unique character of the ANC to produce such fine revolutionaries – men and women of courage and conviction, vision and humility, intellect and integrity, selfless service and loyalty to the people.
As we march towards the 8th Eastern Cape provincial conference in July, the ANC needs to renew its systems and processes by producing a new generation of leaders whose integrity and passion to serve our province and the country is unquestionable.
Since the 6th provincial conference in River Park, the ANC in the Eastern Cape has trained and developed its organic intellectuals academically and politically in order to be the best school and repository of progressive thought in our country.
In this regard, the most urgent task facing us is to speed up the building of a national democratic revolution and remain vigilant in the face of intense antagonism. The ANC undoubtedly requires new organisational capacities and strategic capabilities to give political, moral and intellectual leadership and serve our province and nation with dignity.
The leadership change is encouraged by the terrain of our politics, which has changed. We will never betray the struggle and the legacy of our revolution.
It is the right time for Comrade Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane to lead this province of legends as provincial chairman, joined by energetic and tried leaders such as Mlungisi Mvoko as deputy, Lulama Ngcukayitobi as secretary, Helen August-Sauls as deputy secretary and Babalo Madikizela as treasurer, with the generationally mixed provincial executive committee.
By doing so, they will be sending comrades such as Mcebisi Jonas, Phumulo Masualle, Sakhumzi Somyo, Noxolo Kiviet etc to the national executive committee. Our view is motivated by the radical political terrain both in the province and nationally.
In doing this, the ANC will be again reconnected to the people and again reiterate its long history of being a movement that never hides or conceals its own shortcomings and weaknesses.
Unity of the ANC is sacrosanct.