By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) is holding the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting this weekend in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the meeting will discuss crime, BRICS summit and the party’s elections manifesto.
Mbalula says, focus will be on priorities for peace and stability, in particular, fighting crime in our country through swift and effective measures.”
More than 6 200 people were killed between January and March this year, the police’s latest crime statistics revealed.
The latest figures translate to almost 70 murders a day in South Africa.
According to the statistics, a total of 6 289 people were murdered in the first three months of the year, which translates to a 3.4% increase compared to the same period in 2022, where 6 083 people had their lives snuffed out, but a decrease compared to the previous three quarters.
The meeting will also review current strategies aimed at promoting economic growth and addressing the high level of unemployment and the rising cost of living.
South Africa’s economy is already suffering from widespread crime and load shedding, and having poor trade relations with the US which is likely to further the country back as a place of business.
Additionally, an update will be given on the state’s readiness for the upcoming BRICS Political Dialogue Summit.
Mbalula commented on media reports ANC leaders had bickered about whether the EFF should be invited to the BRICS political party summit.
He said there was too much outrage about the EFF’s involvement in this gathering, and insisted the ANC had no business in discussing BRICS political discussions with the EFF.
Mbalula added the ANC had had no update on whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend the BRICS summit in August, saying the government was still dealing with this decision.
The party will also plan to map out an elections manifesto strategy which hopes to see the party galvanise fresh takes on how to lure voters, after years of campaign promises, ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The ANC was expected to face a tough election next year, and how the party dealt with socioeconomic issues and improved on election promises would be critical.