African National Congress (ANC) members were facing a ‘challenging state†in the history of the party, president Jacob Zuma said on Sunday during a visit to the Eastern Cape.
”We have reached a challenging stage in the history of the ANC, where our members’ commitment is tested. We have to work hard for our organisation and defend it.”
Zuma wrapped up his four-day visit to the province in Zwide, Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
He said that the ANC did not intend to change the Constitution.
”We came up with the Constitution and we will defend it to the last,” he said.
The Eastern Cape visit wrapped up Zuma’s countrywide tour.
”The provincial visits, part of the ANC ‘s mass mobilisation programme in the run-up to the 2009 elections have succeeded in making the ANC understand the true needs of the people, and served to reaffirm the ANC’s commitment to eradicate poverty,” he said.
Zuma, held discussions with key stakeholders, including religious and traditional leadership.
The ANC president is due to address the party’s rally in Bloemfontein on December 16, coinciding with a rally being organised by the new breakaway party, the Congress of the People. – Sapa