All systems go for ANC policy conference

Mantashe briefed media on the organization's state of readiness ahead of the conference, which starts tomorrow 

The economy, femicide and the reasons behind the party's poor performance at the polls in the local government elections will also be on the agenda. 

ANC stalwarts, however, announced today that they would boycott the first two days of the conference.

Mantashe says the stalwarts wanted a separate consultative conference. 

"The intention is not to close people out. The intention is to get as many views as possible," says Mantashe.

Mantashe people who are not attending are walking away from an opportunity.

"The opportunity is presented, you can use it. If you walk away, you miss that opportunity."