By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) NEC member Mamoloko Kubayi says the party is working tirelessly to protect households from the impacts of the rising cost of living.
Kubayi made the comments at the ANC NEC in Boksburg east of Johannesburg today, where the party briefed the media on the economy.
The four-day meeting will focus on the ANC’s renewal, integrity committee reports and building of organisational structures to position the movement to accelerate service delivery.
This among others included improving the economy, investing in people, tackling the high cost of living, energy security, G20, industrialisation, as well as job opportunities.
Kubayi, who is also minister of human settlements, said expanding the zero-rated VAT food basket was part of their bold step to alleviate the inflation on basic items and protect low-income and middle-class families.
“These efforts are a testament to our commitment to making essentials affordable and accessible,” she said.
Kubayi said the ANC was committed to easing the burden on South Africans, adding that as the measures take shape, “Our people’s lives are steadily improving.”
She further noted the ANC will ensure that the electricity remains affordable for all.
“Our stance is very clear, energy must remain affordable and the ANC won’t allow spiraling electricity tariffs to undermine the livelihoods of our people. As we continue pushing forward, measures to reduce electricity costs, our commitment to protecting household from unaffordable tariffs is unwavering.”
“We are working tirelessly to stabilize the energy sector and ensuring that subsidies and protections are in place for the most vulnerable. Electricity must serve as a public good and not an unaffordable luxury,” she explains.
Meanwhile the NEC has extended terms of reference for the integrity commission (IC) allowing party members to appeal its recommendations.
The ANC’s Integrity Commission ensures the party’s members uphold its values and ethical standards.
Fullview has also learnt that the commission has cleared president Cyril Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala scandal.
Ramaphosa had appeared twice before the commission, which is composed of party elders who make recommendations related to the ethical and moral standing of ANC leaders.