Stalwarts to meet ANC NWC
The ANC National Working Committee will meet with party stalwarts and veterans today.
The group asked for a meeting with President Jacob Zuma to discuss the current political climate in the country, threatening to approach the party's integrity committee if the President continues to ignore them.
The stalwarts believe President Zuma is harming the party.
Read the statement here:
The Secretary General (SG) of the African National Congress. Cde Gwede Mantashe, has formally sent a request that a delegation from the Veterans and Stalwarts, who were signatories to the 'For the sake of our future' document (previously circulated to the media) meet with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ANC. This meeting will take place at 12h00, Monday the 21 November 2016, at the St. George Hotel, Irene, Gauteng.
Whilst there have been some negative comments from some quarters before this meeting, the stalwarts will not allow these to distract from the agreed agenda and objectives that have been set for this meeting.
It is our belief, given our diverse range of experiences within the movement, that we can provide valuable assistance in breaking the paralysis gripping our organisation that many of us have devoted our lives to. This undertaking is not provided in the interests of ourselves, family or associates, but because we believed and still do, that the set of historical values of the ANC are the primary reason that we have a constitutional democracy today, which is widely considered as an example to other countries.
We know that we have the overwhelming support of honest members of the ANC and the citizens of South Africa who do not wish to see the benefits of our constitutional democracy undermined by narrow self-interest, corruption and nepotism which can only benefit the few at the expense of the majority, especially the most disadvantaged within our communities.
We are looking forward to a positive and frank engagement with the NWC of our party and believe that this engagement should not only remain simply an internal party issue - given the gravity of the situation and the negative impact it has not only on South African opinion but our place in the international community.
The Secretary General and other senior elected members of the ANC have publicly stated that there should be a wider dialogue and the veterans and stalwarts believe that the contents of our he previously circulated document 'For the sake of our future' can enrich any introspection, not only within the movement but also within civil society.
No honest person/citizen in South Africa will be afraid of honest criticism offered in a constructive manner and the need for honest introspection. We need to create a climate where ethics and sound governance is primary and no corrupt activity, irrespective of who the instigators are, will go unpunished. Which means that no institution can be accused of selectivity in the application of the law.
We want to see the opening up of a new chapter of honest reflection and constructive criticism, and renewed commitment to the values embodied in our Constitution and the Freedom Charter.