ANC stalwarts back on board

The party was at odds with its veterans during the last few years of former president Jacob Zuma's reign. 

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the governing party's elders are back on board following a meeting in Johannesburg on Monday.

The ANC stalwarts met with Ramaphosa to discuss the resolutions adopted at the national conference held in December.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Ramaphosa praised the stalwarts for their decision to assist the party's election campaign in the run-up to the elections. 

"Our stalwarts are custodians and guardians of the values of our movement. They have contributed greatly to the growth and development of our movement and they have a place of pride in the life of the ANC."

The stalwarts were fierce critics of the direction the party was headed under Zuma, speaking out against issues of corruption and state capture. 

Stalwart Wally Serote says they are ready to bring back hope to the people. 

"We noted that there was hope in the country and that cannot be lost. We must take full advantage of it, and do what we as ANC people have been trained to do, to serve the people of this country."