WATCH: Corruption will be death of ANC – Ramaphosa sends warning to party

The five-day conference at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg, was marred by delays due to difficulties experienced during the registration and accreditation of delegates. 

Several crucial aspects of the conference, including the adoption of policies and resolutions are outstanding. 

In a move to finalise these and other matters, the conference has adopted a proposal by the steering committee that the conference be adjourned and continue on 5 January using a hybrid-model.  

In his closing address on Tuesday, Ramaphosa made clear his position on ANC members lining their own pockets with ill-gotten gains.  

“We must show no mercy to those who steal from the poor, whoever they are and wherever they are,” said Ramaphosa. 

Ramaphosa emerged victorious against former health minister Zweli Mkhize and secured a second term as president of the ANC.  

While lambasting corrupt cadres, Ramaphosa vowed “to take all necessary steps to address this problem” – a warning that was met with applause by the delegates present. 

 
No more tenders for friends 

Ramaphosa proposed changes to the government’s tendering system by suggesting that the public service be “professionalised”. 

“We need to employ people because they are competent, because they are committed not because they are connected to other people,” he said.  

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Ramaphosa instructed cadres working in government to only appoint if “they have the ability, the capability of serving our people – and that must be the standard.

“The patronage that may have existed in the past should come to an end.”  

Corruption will be the death of the ANC 

Ramaphosa also doubled down on corruption within the ANC, labelling it “a dire threat” to the party which could end the 110-year-old liberation movement.  

He acceded that “we have not done enough” and added that there is a determination to rid the ANC's ranks of fraudsters. 

Ramaphosa acknowledged that there was fightback and opposition to the anti-corruption drive. 

“We have no choice – either we deal with this problem or we perish.”