/ 16 June 2008

ANC to focus on discipline, says Zuma

The African National Congress (ANC) is expected to focus on disciplining bad behaviour within its ranks, ANC president Jacob Zuma said on Monday.

”No one is above the ANC,” Zuma told an ANC Youth League rally in Thaba’ Nchu.

Zuma said the party had, from January, focused on building unity but will now focus on discipline.

”We will dedicate our energy to work with all structures to remove hooligans and those who are bent on bringing the ANC into disrepute.”

Zuma told the gathering that the party is alarmed by the new tendency to take the ANC to court when a dispute develops.

He said this is done instead of allowing the internal processes in the ANC to deal with the matter.

Zuma said the ANC has a huge responsibility to provide, through the government, the basic needs of the people.

”The movement cannot and should not be side-tracked into fighting court battles against its members.”

The ANC president said this is a form of behaviour that is destroying the movement.

Zuma also expressed his disappointment at the disruption of meetings on a provincial level, specifically the meeting in the Western Cape where provincial secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha was stabbed.

”Let me reiterate that we are not going to make the ANC a haven for hooligans and criminals.” — Sapa