‘Radical transformation’ an ANC concept, says Zuma
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has commented for the first time about the origin of the term radical socioeconomic transformation‚ saying it was a policy of the ANC.
“We therefore reject the incorrect and patronising assumptions by some sections of society that radical economic transformation was developed by a company from London,” he said at the Energy Indaba at Midrand yesterday. “The policy originated from the ANC.” UK public relations firm Bell Pottinger fell from grace after the British PR regulatory body found that the firm had exploited racial divisions on behalf of the Gupta family.
However‚ Zuma said the ANC had defined the term radical socioeconomic transformation in the past five years.
He said the ANC had‚ at its national conference in Mangaung in 2012‚ formulated the policy of radical socioeconomic transformation.
Zuma told the more than 700 delegates at the indaba hosted by the Department of Energy that he was looking forward to receiving a report from the two-day meeting on an action plan detailing how the energy sector could be a catalyst to reignite the economy.
“The energy sector is an important engine for growth which makes this indaba opportune as we search for ways of reigniting economic growth in our country.” He said the indaba took place as offshoots of economic recovery were being threatened by ever-increasing energy costs.
Zuma noted that the price of oil had nearly doubled in the past 24 months and said the government needed to intensify efforts to accelerate the exploration of oil and gas off-shore.
He also said he was happy his term as ANC president was coming to an end and he would work to ensure a seamless handover to the new leadership.
Addressing the indaba‚ Zuma remarked on the ANC’s 54th national conference to be held at Nasrec from December 16 to 20‚ describing it as one of the biggest stories of the year.
He said he knew there was a lot of anxiety from business about what would transpire at the party’s elective conference.
“In my capacity as the president of the ANC‚ let me assure you that everything possible is being done to ensure a smooth transition.”
Zuma said the ANC had held its last ordinary national executive committee (NEC) meeting on Monday with him as president.
“It was one of the warmest meetings we have ever held,” he said.
“The NEC was united in its resolve to ensure a successful and orderly conference.
“I will work with all comrades to ensure a successful and seamless handover to the new leadership.”