Renewing the ANC requires change in culture - political analyst
Political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze said the renewal of the ANC will only take place if there is a change in the party's culture.
'Renewal' and 'unity' were again some of the buzzwords at the ANC’s 55th national elective conference at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.
Newly re-elected leader Cyril Ramaphosa described forging unity between party members as his main task as he embarked on the next five years in the highest office of the ANC.
The conference, marred by delays, has been adjourned until next month when it is expected to resume using a hybrid model.
“It requires a change in the culture not only a change in behaviour,” said political analyst Prof. Dirk Kotze.
Ramaphosa issued warnings to those who fail to toe the line while those dividing the party are also set to receive a slap on the wrist.
“It’s a long-term process,” said Kotze as he emphasised that the change sought won’t happen overnight.
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He urged the governing ANC to engage all structures in the drive to renew the party and forge unity.
“It is not something that just can be magically introduced.”
The ANC is battling against the clock to rid its ranks of impunity before the 2024 general elections.
Kotze said time will run out before the ANC’s rivals exploit every political fault in a bid to upstage the governing party that has been in power since the dawn of democracy.