IN THIS ISSUE

We reflect on ‘The Decade of the Cadre’, as pronounced by the ANC at its 53rd National Conference in Mangaung, 2012. We reflect on formidable tools to address challenges of moral decay in the ranks of the ANC in our relentless quest to build a Cadre that epitomizes the values of the society that we are building.

Comrade Tokologo Ngoasheng argues that the first thing to be acknowledged is the fact that a cadre builds to effect the thorough-going socio-economic transformation of our country cannot be a member of the ANC that has a fetish for finer things in life, a member that is married to blue lights, VIP guest lists, designer clothes, top-end cars, media clouts, etc. A cadre builds to effect a thorough-going socio-economic transformation of our country must be the personification and symbol of popular aspirations of congress and the people. He contends that this cadre must live with the primary motive forces which he seeks to liberate, be amongst them, work with them, eat what they eat, sleep where they sleep, and go to the same places of worship that they go to.

Comrade Mondli Gungubele, while diving into various policy documents of the Congress Movement that speak about renewal, reminds us that our strength stems from the etched roots of our people; that is why we inspired the people’s resistance during the darkest moments of our nation and that fundamentally, our programme reflects years of the people’s struggle and is informed by their aspirations.

In the same breath, Comrade Bafana Phalane contends that the ills in the ANC should not be attributed to the many supporters and volunteers of the ANC, but too greedy individuals who seek to destroy what remains of the glorious movement. He laments that corruption, as a crime against our people, must be treated as the highest form of treason.

In remembering the former President of the South African Natives National Congress, Sefako Makgatho, ANC Greater Johannesburg Treasurer Mpho Moerane, propounds that renewal must include deliberate action aimed at closing the social distance between our movement [The African National Congress] and the people of South Africa. He posits that ours must be a listening movement; that is not arrogant; a movement that is responsive to the conditions of our people; and a movement that speaks the language of the people.

Further, we feature tributes firstly, to a man who stood for what was right, no manner what it cost him when it was the hardest thing to do; A man who understood that his white male privilege was a gift he could use on behalf of others; A man who lived a life that made a difference, George Bizos and lifelong activist, who dedicated his young life to the revolution and betterment of South Africa; so rare a gift of a fellow South African, who was simultaneously a genuine friend, an activist, a leader, and patriot, Songezo Mjongile.

As we mourn the passing of these outstanding members of society, we also pay our debt of gratitude for the sacrifices and sterling contributions they made to the most sacred and most sublime of all causes, the liberation of humankind.

President OR Tambo, in intervening periods, put it succinctly: ‘Even in bleak moments, we were never in doubt regarding the winning of freedom. We have never been in doubt that the people’s cause shall triumph.’

Malibonge