ANC PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DISCUSSES REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN

Issued by: ANC Western Cape

The ANC's provincial executive committee (PEC) met yesterday and discussed preparations for the final registration weekend.

The following decisions were taken;

1. Registration campaign

• The decision by the NP provincial administration to pay provincial civil servants who worked over the forthcoming registration weekend was condemned in the strongest terms. The PEC resolved to raise the matter with the IEC, the Minister of Finance and the Auditor General. The main concern was the fact that volunteers from the public, national government departments and local government would not be paid, while those from the province would be. This could lead to conflict amongst volunteers. In addition the PEC strongly opposed the use of provincial funds for a task which up to now has been done on a voluntary basis.
• The PEC welcomed the ruling of the Cape High court dismissing the NP's application with costs. It was agreed to call on the DP and NP to desist from further court action. Court action was simply a futile attempt by these parties to delay the elections.
• The PEC received a detailed report on the registration figures. A programme of action was developed to ensure the registration of all ANC supporters who have not yet done so. National Ministers, MP's and MPL's were also deployed to work full time during the final week leading up to registration weekend.
• Concerns were raised at reports from canvassers that certain parties were spreading rumours that people who did not get bar coded ID's would not receive there pensions. It was agreed to call on Minister Geraldine Fraser to clarify this issue.

Taxi Problem

The PEC noted its deep concern that a certain taxi association was reported to have stated that no trucks which collect unemployed workers from the townships, would be allowed to enter. The PEC resolved to call a meeting with CODETA to raise the concerns about what appears to be an attempt to gate-keep. Such a call was dangerous in that it could lead to violence and also affect the unemployed and poor who are seeking employment.

Land invasions

Having heard a report on the attempted land invasions in the Nyanga area, the PEC came out in full support of the City Council in taking action against the illegal invasion. It is clear that those behind the attempted invasion have a political agenda and are acting against the wishes of the vast majority of residents. It was agreed that the failure by the provincial government, the CMC and local councils to release land for low cost housing could lead to major instability on the Cape Flats.

The PEC endorsed the holding of an urgent housing summit on 13 March 1999. All local ANC councillors dealing with housing, ANC regions, the alliance, and civic organisations would be invited to attend. The key issues on the agenda would be the identification and rapid release of land as well as the transfer of houses.

Conflict in Khayelitsha

The PEC noted with concern the ongoing conflict in the Harry Gwala area. Allegations have been made concerning the role of the ANC ward councillor, Fundile Matoto, and certain ANC members in the area.

It was agreed that the provincial secretary, together with PEC members Nontombomzi Macingwana, Nyami Booi and Garth Strachan should convene urgently after the meeting and develop a process to investigate the allegations. It was emphasized that the ANC would not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation from its members.

Condolences with Minister Zola Skweyiya

The PEC also expressed its deepest symphaty with Minister Skweyiya and his family at the personal tragedy they are going through. Mr Skweyiya is well known to the PEC as he co-ordinates the NEC sub-committee on the Western Cape. He has earned great respect amongst the PEC for his consistency in assisting the PEC.

Issued by the ANC Western Cape, further comment contact Provincial Secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha on 082 829 7452 and ANC Spokesperson Cameron Dugmore on 082 894 7553

28 February 1999