ANC delegates standing at the Polokwane conference.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
8 January 2008
The ANC National Executive Committee elected at its 52nd National Conference in Polokwane held its inaugural meeting on Monday 7 January 2008 in Esselen Park, Ekurhuleni.
The meeting was convened to elect the National Working Committee (NWC), establish its sub-committees, and prepare for the celebration of the ANC's 96th anniversary.
TASKS FROM NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The NEC discussed the key political tasks arising from the Polokwane conference, and the responsibility of the NEC to effectively lead the organisation in the implementation of the conference resolutions and programme.
The NEC expressed appreciation to the members of the ANC, and their delegates to conference, for ensuring that the conference was successful and able to complete its work. Due to their efforts, conference debates were robust, frank and constructive.
The meeting agreed that the NEC needed to provide leadership to all cadres and members in the critical and immediate task of building the unity and cohesion of the movement.
As resolved in Polokwane, the unity of the movement is paramount. The great strength of the ANC over its 96 years of struggle has been its ability to unite the people of South Africa and to itself remain a united, coherent organ of popular action.
It was important that all structures and members unite around the programme adopted at Polokwane, and to unite around the leadership collective duly elected to lead that programme.
The NEC reaffirmed the fundamental point that there is only one ANC, with one programme of democratic transformation, and one national leadership collective.
ANC 96TH ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate its 96th anniversary, the ANC will be holding a national rally on Saturday, 12 January at Super Stadium in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, at which ANC President Jacob Zuma will present the annual January 8th Statement of the National Executive Committee.
Around 20,000 people from around Gauteng and neighbouring provinces are expected to attend the rally, which will include a cultural programme and the announcement of the recipients of the ANC Annual Achievement Awards for organisational excellence.
These are the:
* Sol Plaatje Award, conferred on the best performing ANC branch;
* Charlotte Maxeke Award, conferred on the best performing Women's League branch;
* Anton Lembede Award, conferred on the best performing Youth League branch;
* ZK Matthews Award, conferred on the best performing group of ANC councillors.
The January 8th Statement will highlight the main political priorities for 2008, and outline the programme of action to be undertaken by ANC structures, cadres and deployees.
ELECTION OF NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE
As required by the ANC Constitution, the NEC elected the following people to serve on the National Working Committee (NWC):
1. Collins Chabane
2. Bathabile Dlamini
3. Jessie Duarte
4. Tina Joemat-Pettersson
5. Pallo Jordan
6. Ncumisa Kondlo
7. Fikile Mbalula
8. Nomaindia Mfeketo
9. Angie Motshekga
10. Nathi Mthethwa
11. Maite Nkoane-Mashabane
12. Siphiwe Nyanda
13. Blade Nzimande
14. Dina Pule
15. Jeff Radebe
16. Susan Shabangu
17. Lindiwe Sisulu
18. Max Sisulu
19. Makhenkesi Stofile
20. Tony Yengeni
In addition to these 20, the NWC is comprised the six Officials and one representative each from the ANC Women's League and Youth League.
The NEC received a proposal on the deployment of NEC members to sub-committees and to each of the provinces. The incoming NWC was tasked to finalise the composition of these committees.
The NEC will be holding its annual planning Lekgotla from 18-20 January.
CHARGES AGAINST ANC PRESIDENT
The NEC noted that charges have been brought against ANC President JacobZuma by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to the independence of the judiciary, the rule of law, and the principle of equality before the law. These principles require that the institutions of state are able to fulfil their constitutional mandate without fear or favour, as it requires them to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals charged or under investigation.
The meeting expressed its concern and grave misgivings about the timing of these charges, and the general conduct of the NPA in this case, including inconsistency in the application of its mandate and leaking of information to the media.
In line with the resolution of the 2005 National General Council, the NEC reaffirmed its support for the ANC President during these trying times. It confirmed that the ANC President will lead the ANC election campaign as the organisation's candidate for president of South Africa in the 2009 election.
The NEC agreed to establish a committee to look at the practical form this support will take and consider the broader context within which this case is taking place. This will include a detailed factual report on the arms deal to enable the NEC to apply its mind on the issues and provide leadership.
The ANC seeks no special treatment for its President; only fairness and justice.
SITUATION IN KENYA
The NEC expressed its deep concern at the situation in Kenya, which has severe political, social, economic and humanitarian implications. We are concerned in particular about the loss of life, homes and livelihoods that have been visited upon ordinary Kenyans in recent days.
It urged all parties to cooperate in the process of finding a just, peaceful and lasting solution to this crisis.
CONDOLENCES
The NEC expressed condolences on the passing away of a number of valued cadres and veterans of our movement, including Mlungisi Sisulu, Leslie Monnanyane, Yunus Mahomed, Rider Mofokeng, Slumber Jayiya, Flora Masakona and Billy Sehlapelo.
Issued by: National Executive Committee
African National Congress
8 January 2008
More information: Tiyani Rikhotso 079 879 7974
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