The ANC is Holding a Crucial four-day National Executive Committee

Anathi Mpenzana

(The Post News)- The African National Congress (ANC) is holding a crucial four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting starting October 25, 2024, at the Birchwood hotel and conference center in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.

The meeting aims to tackle key issues, including defining the terms of reference for its Integrity Commission and addressing pending cases, such as allegations against Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane regarding a VBS Mutual Bank loan.

The gathering will assess the ANC’s performance after its poor showing in recent polls and discuss the party’s role and responsibilities within the Government of National Unity. Attendees include ANC National Executive Committee members, Integrity Commission representatives, and other stakeholders, with the goal of strengthening party governance and accountability.

“We will examine the state of organisation, that’s the beginning of an era. We know, comrades, we did not do well in the election and many of our volunteers and comrades fought and participated in the election and campaigned very hard for the ANC to retain power overwhelmingly and we failed, comrades. Among others, the state of organisation of the ANC leaves much to be desired,” said African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

Mazwe Majola called on the ANC to tackle internal issues head-on, with honesty and seriousness, specifically referencing the pending integrity commission report. He hopes the NEC will respect its own structures this time, unlike in the past when recommendations were ignored.

Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane faces controversy surrounding a R575,600 “loan” from a VBS fixer in 2016. The Hawks raided the Polokwane Municipality offices to secure evidence related to the municipality’s R349 million investment with VBS Mutual Bank in 2016 and 2017.

Simelane claims she informed President Ramaphosa about the loan before her cabinet appointment. Majola expressed disappointment in Ramaphosa’s handling of this issue, citing favoritism and lack of decisive action on corruption and ethical leadership.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks calling Russia a “valuable ally and friend” sparked controversy within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key GNU partner, rejected this characterization, citing concerns over Russia’s global conflicts.

Ramaphosa’s office responded, stating the DA cannot impose its foreign policy views on the president. The ANC formed a GNU with the DA, marking a significant compromise to stabilize governance at national and provincial levels. This historic coalition aims to address pressing issues and ensure stability in governance.