Call for unity in Western Cape ANC

Outgoing Western Cape African National Congress (ANC) chairperson James Ngculu has called for unity in the party in the province.

Addressing the ANC’s provincial conference on Wednesday—after it finally got under way about four hours late—Ngculu said the challenge of the new leadership would be to focus on bonding and unifying the ANC.

Alluding to the divisions during his own tenure as chairperson, Ngculu said “initially we tried” to unify the party.

However, these divisions may or may not have been solved at this stage.

The new leadership would have to forge this unity, as a divided organisation could not defeat its opponents.

“You must find the magnets to pull the members of the ANC together. We must turn enmity to amity.”

Ngculu said it was not too late to work for unity.

If the ANC wanted to be respected as an organisation, it would have to be united.

He said he was not available to stand for any positions during the congress. “I’m proud of my record in the ANC,” he said.

The current provincial secretary, Mcebisi Skwatsha, is expected to be opposed in his bid for chairpersonship by former provincial minister Leruma Kalako.

The official nominations for provincial leadership positions and voting are expected to take place after 4pm.

ANC president Jacob Zuma is scheduled to address the congress on Thursday morning.—Sapa