Gaye Davis
ON the eve of a four-day convention aimed at mapping a new direction for the party, Pan Africanist Congress president Clarence Makwetu has declared his willingness to continue to lead the organisation and his confidence of members’ support.
But it’s likely the Convention of Africanists, at Vista Mamelodi this weekend, will see intense lobbying. Dissatisfaction with Makwetu’s leadership within and outside the party was what prompted a high- powered group of African intellectuals, professionals, trade unionists and businessmen to organise the convention in the first place.
Makwetu’s unpopularity extends right up into the PAC’s highest structures, but what supporters he has are fighting a desperate battle to keep him in place.
An expected 500 delegates, including members of breakaway PAC groupings such as the Revolutionary Watchdogs, will discuss ways of putting the PAC back on track and turning it into a left-of-centre party promoting Africanist ideals.
Key challenges for the party are reorganising its structures and chaotic finances, discussing its leadership and forging new policies. Decisions taken will have to be ratified by the PAC at its December conference.
Convention convenor Ike Mafole said there was no vendetta against Makwetu — but at the same time, no one was indispensable. “There is a place for the PAC as the only legitimate opposition in this country. But we need to get our act together,” he said.
“The convention will bring together people of divergent views, some favouring capitalism, some socialism. The fundamental aim is unity. People should be able to express views without fear or favour.”