ANC working on ways to unite, says Ramaphosa

Addressing hundreds of ANC members in the Johannesburg City Hall, Ramaphosa gave an assurance that the governing party is finding its way ahead of next year’s elections. 

“The National Executive Committee is in session right now, we have just come from that meeting. And in that meeting, comrades, I can assure you the majority of the discussion is about unity, finding ways to unite the ANC.

“We are on the move to unite the ANC and that is precisely where we have spent the last two-and-a-half days doing, and that is forging unity,” said Ramaphosa.

The ANC has struggled to unite behind Ramaphosa following his election as party leader at its national conference in December.

Reports recently emerged claiming former president Jacob Zuma, secretary-general Ace Magashule and other senior leaders met in secret at a hotel in Durban to plot Ramaphosa’s overthrow.  

While Magashule strongly denied the existence of any plot, Ramaphosa reminded the audience that the late Madikizela-Mandela always frowned at divisions in the ANC.

“Mam' Winnie was firmly also committed to the unity of the African National Congress. She understood that this was very necessary if the ANC was to remain in the forefront of the liberation struggle. She despaired at any sign of division.

"She despaired at any sign of factionalism or conflict within the ranks of the movement and was deeply disturbed by the effect of the contestation for positions and resources had on the ability of the ANC to advance the interest of our people."

The ANC will honour Madikizela-Mandela with the highest award that can be bestowed on an individual. 

“We are going to honour her by awarding ‘isithalandwe’ to her. She is amongst those great leaders of our nation who not only sacrificed, but who also provided great leadership in the darkest of days in our country. It will be a fitting tribute when we honour her with this award,” Ramaphosa said.