Poverty eradication is the African National Congress’s (ANC) central task in the run-up to the 2012 general election, President Thabo Mbeki said on Saturday.
Mbeki said this should be the main objective of all ANC leaders, from national to local government, as well as community organisations.
Mbeki, the party leader, was addressing high-profile ANC members and thousands of supporters at the ANC’s 95th birthday celebrations at the @lantic Stadium in Witbank.
”Our central task during this phase of the national democratic revolution is to liberate our people from the scourge of poverty in all its manifestos, and eliminate all its offshoots,” he said.
Mbeki was reading from the party’s national executive committee (NEC) statement, which is published at the beginning of each year to outline the party’s tasks in the year ahead.
During his speech he also called for unity within the ANC and its alliance partners.
”Now more than ever before, we are called upon to build and strengthen the alliance that remains the leading force for the national democratic transformation of South Africa,” the NEC statement said, warning against those who have claimed that the alliance
has outlived its usefulness and adding that this is not the case.
The statement said there is a need for continued debate within the alliance. ”We must ensure that we share a common view among all components [of the alliance] on the strategic objectives and programme of the alliance, as well as its core values, principals and organisational culture.
Mbeki said: ”As a leader of the national democratic revolution, our movement must ensure that it remains united around its strategy and tactics, its culture and conventions, and the programmes agreed by our constitutional structures and further elaborated by our government.”
This is one of the ”strategic considerations” to inform all ANC actions this year, he said.
He also called on state enterprises such as Eskom and Transnet to carry out plans that will see more investment in the country.
Job creation
Although the ANC government has achieved progress in the past 12 years, Mbeki said more still needs be done. In 2007, the government will work hard on job creation and education at all levels. This will see an increase in the number of schools that will be exempted from paying school fees.
Mbeki received warm applause when he said the bucket system, rife in many informal settlements, will be eradicated by the end of 2007.
More pressing issues such as HIV/Aids and crime were also mentioned. He said safety and security is one of the main tasks of a democratic revolution.
After Mbeki’s speech a cake was brought on stage. As leaders on stage celebrated, ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma wished: ”May the ANC rule till you know when …” He was loudly cheered by supporters.
Reacting Mbeki’s speech, ANC supporter Simphiwe Dzengwa said the speech was as expected. ”Unity was displayed; people will now be watching if the structures within will implement the plans Mbeki has for the country.” This sentiment was shared by Sabelo Masilela, who said: ”The speech was positive and, if followed correctly, it can be productive.”
Supporter Boitumelo Moukangwe said Mbeki could make all those promises, but the problem is at ground level where ward councillors are not doing anything.
Mbeki and Zuma broke out in a dance for the second time during the rally with Afro-pop sensation Mafikizolo. Other artists, including gospel singer Rebecca Malope, also entertained the crowds.
Earlier, Mbeki and Zuma danced together shortly before the president’s address to the music of gospel singer Solly Mholo.
Zuma’s anthem, Awulethu Umshini Wam, was sung just after he had left the stage. The song was well received with the crowd joyfully joining in. — Sapa