By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) is optimistic that it will win the upcoming provincial and national elections with an outright majority.
The party’s NEC is currently holding a meeting in Mbombela, Mpumalanga ahead of the anticipated January 8 statement.
The meeting is focusing on a number of issues, ranging from good governance and the fight against corruption within all spheres of government.
Further discussions were held by the ANC’s National Task Team on Coalitions, which reviewed the party’s coalition governments in municipalities. The team concluded that many partnerships are failing in their mandate to deliver services effectively to communities.
David Makhura, a member of the Coalition Task Team and former Gauteng Premier, said the organisation has been reviewing its participation in coalitions which aren’t producing anything positive for the country.
“Every municipal coalition must be assessed on the basis of whether its really improving service delivery. The work that the local government intervention team is doing has enabled us to also assess the various coalitions.
Makhura said coalitions should not be about political parties wheeling and dealing but rather, should be about serving the interests of the people.
He added that the NEC has not yet discussed coalitions for national and provincial government because their attitude is clear on the national and provincial framework.
“We’re going into these elections to win with an overwhelming support to continue as the governing party in South Africa. This framework is to enable us in the municipalities that are not able to move, that is why we’re saying they’re not working for the people and communities.
The NEC has also reaffirmed its stance against corruption within its ranks and at the government level.
The meeting has noted the allegations levelled against Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Ndzimande.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) made the allegations against Nzimande and NSFAS Chairperson, Ernest Khosa.
NEC member Febe Potgieter-Gqubule said the party’s NEC processes dictates that the the Secretary-General of the ANC should summon Nzimande to the integrity commission.
Party leaders will, in the coming days, crisscross the province, engaging various party members and families of the late leaders of the organisation.
The party president, Cyril Ramaphosa, who will officially deliver the January 8 message, is likely to also use this opportunity to unveil its manifesto for the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Despite the challenges and controversies, the ANC remains confident about securing a clear majority in the forthcoming provincial and national elections.