There is a need to build “strong” branches of the ANC in Gauteng that are capable of leading communities, the party’s provincial chairperson Paul Mashatile said on Saturday.
“We must reiterate that branches must remain the engine of the ANC,” he said addressing the ruling party’s provincial assembly held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.
“I therefore urge all those gathered here today to do everything necessary to contribute towards building a strong and united ANC in Gauteng.”
Mashatile called on members to build an “ANC that is united, deeply rooted among communities and continues to be the true custodian of the aspirations of the majority of our people”.
“Comrades, there is no substitute for unity within our movement,” he said.
He said some people had used the nomination list process to mobilise protests and agitate ANC members to call for dissolution of the party’s regional executive councils (REC’s) in the West Rand, Sedibeng and Tshwane.
Orchestrated campaign
“This mobilisation has nothing to do with the list process, it is led by those who want to destabilise the province and undermine democratically elected REC’s and the PEC [provincial executive council].
“They have been using all manner of tactics, including hiring busses to march repeatedly to Luthuli House.
We are aware that this a well orchestrated campaign by those who have either failed to be elected in the previous regional and provincial conferences.”
Mashatile urged members to work hard to ensure that ANC remained in touch with people.
“In this regard, we must continue to listen to the concerns of communities and work together with them to find comprehensive responses to the concerns raised,” he said. – Sapa