LISTEN: The ANC needs to be honest with itself, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the African National Congress (ANC) needs to take an honest look at itself and examine its own weaknesses.
Ramaphosa delivered the opening speech the ANC's Gauteng conference in Irene, outside of Pretoria on Friday.
He told delegates that the party cannot afford to ignore the myriad of faults that led to a decline in electoral support during the 2016 local government elections.
The ANC ceded control of Johannesburg and Tshwane to a DA-led coalition and faces an uphill battle to retain Gauteng during next year's polls.
"In doing this, we must not tear each other apart," said Ramaphosa. "But we must speak the truth without fear or favour with the sole intention to self-correct.
"Just as we claim and celebrate victories as a collective, so shall we take collective responsibility for our weaknesses. Our process of introspection, which may at times be painful, must be undertaken in a manner that safeguards the unity of our movement."
Ramaphosa admitted that the ANC is at a crossroads if it wants to win back the confidence of South Africans and improve its electoral showing.
"At this critical moment of renewal and winning back the confidence of our people, we are reminded of the oath every member of the ANC ought to take upon being accepted as a member.
"The people of South Africa need to see this pledge reflected in our words and actions. They need to feel it in their daily lives as we work alongside them to improve their living conditions and transform their communities."
Listen below: