Loss of confidence in the ANC due to the following: (a)Social distance, corruption, nepotism, arrogance, elitism, factionalism, manipulating organizational processes, abusing state power, putting self-interest above the people.
NB: Even the strongest ANC supporters agree that the sins of incumbency are entrenched.
Many organizations and thought leaders have become critics of the ANC and its leadership
We are losing much of our influence and appeal amongst the following:
- Students
- Young intellectuals
- The black middle class
NB: The Conference said: While we know that much of the ANC and Government are not affected by this cancer, the movement as whole is judged as being part of the problem.
- b) Leadership weaknesses characterized by the following:
- Loss of integrity
- Competition to control state resources
- Factionalism
- Conflicts
- Discipline and disunity etc
(c) A lack of planning, coordination, implementation, and accountability for our work in Government and the achievements of our policy goals the 2016 local Government losses were a result of these factors. The 54th conference reminded us that we said we needed an uncompromising fight against these tendencies Because of the negation of our core values and neglect of cadre development, we find ourselves deploying cadres who cannot match the imperatives of the current phase of the revolution.
The 54th conference having frankly acknowledged therefore stated challenges made the following commitments:
- Being rooted among our people, representing their interests
- Maintaining vibrant internal democracy in the ANC and supporting the principle and practice of collective leadership
- Readiness and willingness of our members to serve, and make sacrifices in pursuit of the cause of the people as a whole
- Readiness to acknowledge and decisively address our weaknesses in order to accelerate people’s struggle
- Increasing our capacity to plan, coordinate, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies and the impact on the people and society in general.
- Upholding and building unity across all sections of South Africans and progressive forces in the pursuit of the cause of humanity.
The conference having articulated the underlying factors that bedevil the selection of leadership decided on the establishment of the Electoral Commission with necessary features that will protect its independence.
The resolution on corruption titled, “Credibility and integrity” constitute a strong reinforcing measure as part of the organizational renewal pursuit.
Further, the nearness of the local government elections emphasizes the intensity required in implementing the renewal program of the African National Congress.
It is clear that organizational renewal in the African National Congress, particularly taking into account Rule 2 constitutes a task of National interest.
Now having freshened our minds on the CENTRALITY OF THE PEOPLE in the entire life of the ANC, to prelude on an excerpt from the 1994 1st manifesto of our movement under the heading, PROUD OF OUR PAST – CONFIDENT OF OUR FUTURE,
“When the African National Congress set its vision for a nonracial society on 8 Jan 1912, we did not know how long it would take to achieve it. What we knew was that we would not rest until these ideas were realized.
For over 80 years, the African National Congress has led the struggle to bring about a South Africa that belongs to all the people.
The ANC is a home for all South Africans. Our strength flows from our roots among the people; that is why we inspired people’s resistance during the darkest moments that is why we initiated and led the negotiation process. Our Programme reflects years of the people’s struggle and is informed by their aspirations.”
NB: ARE WE ABLE TO REPEAT THESE WORDS IN OUR COMING MANIFESTO ON LOCAL ELECTIONS? CAN WE REPEAT THESE WORDS IN 2024 WHEN REFLECTING 2019?
These are questions I propose we should answer as we drive the most important revolutionary program of the ORGANIZATIONAL RENEWAL.
CONCLUSION
Luthuli’s counsel befits the conclusion, ‘I believe that here in South Africa, with all our diversity of color and race; we will show the world a new pattern for democracy. There is a challenge for us to set a new example for all. Let us not sidestep this task.’
The people are our strength. In their Service, we shall face and conquer those who live on the back of the people.’
Walter Sisulu