Issued by African National Congress
21 February 2000
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress met in Johannesburg over two days from the 18th - 20th February, 2000.
The main purpose of the NEC meeting was to embark on a critical evaluation of the government's programme of transformation with respect to the economy, peace and stability, social transformation, rural development strategy, transformation of the state machinery and preparations for the forthcoming local government elections.
The NEC discussions were preceded by the President's political overview focusing on the challenges facing the African continent in its quest for democratization. Linked to this critical assessment was the need to do a deep analysis of the African continent and ensuring that the African National Congress was able to play its role as one of the architects of the African century. Out of this political overview, the NEC entered into a vigorous debate which led to the following commitments:
1. The NEC recommitted itself to its revolutionary task of ensuring that it consolidates its relationship with other progressive liberation movements in the continent and build formidable networks of dialogue.
2. It further committed itself to vigorously assist in conflict - resolution processes aimed at finding sustainable solutions.
3. Once more, the NEC committed itself to combating any threat of international chauvinism which manifest itself in different forms including xenophobia and further mandated its structures to promote programmes aimed at awareness building and education.
4. The NEC emphasized the need to develop a strong African Renaissance ethic that sought to balance both our theory and practice in contributing to this endeavor.
5. The strengthening of Luthuli House's international unit 's capacity to deal with these challenges was identified as key.
6. Lastly, the National Working Committee (NWC) was then mandated to carry these tasks forward.
An input on the economy followed, with extensive discussions out of which the NEC noted the following :
1. The NEC was upbeat about the direction the economy was taking, relative growth and stability and there was general agreement that the government's economic policies were on the right track.
2. The meeting noted that the main challenge still remained as job creation through growth. However, there appeared to be an exaggeration of the role that the State can play in its efforts to create jobs. The NEC emphasized that the State amongst other issues had a responsibility to create an enabling environment that will allow for job creation. This did not mean that the state was shedding its responsibility on this challenge - but cautioned against the perception that the State had an 'infinite capacity' to create jobs. However the State through the creation of this enabling environment could induce capital to provide jobs.
3. The Economic Transformation Committee (ETC) was mandated to look at matters of detail on job creation and report to the next National Executive Committee (NEC)) Meeting.
On transformation of the State machinery: The NEC resolved on the following:
1. Recommitment to an agenda of restructuring that was premised on the need to attain economic well - being for the country.
2. The need for a result - orientated managerial structure to deal with the transformation of the State machinery.
3. The NEC called for a greater need for co-ordination and synergy in our efforts.
4. It also raised its concern about the continued increasing expenditure consumed by the wage bill and indicated the urgency to find solutions of redirecting these funds to social services delivery.
5. Finally, the NEC called for the need to increase our engagements with labour within and outside the tripartite alliance and seek sustainable solutions on issues that were key to the realization of our economic goals.
On Social Transformation: The NEC received an in- depth report on progress attained, challenges faced, out of which the following observations were made:
1. The need to tighten our efforts on poverty alleviation and continuation of support to all those vulnerable in society was uppermost in the programme for social transformation.
2. Called for ANC structures to involve themselves in caring for HIV/ Aids orphans and those currently living with HIV/ Aids.
3. More focus to be given on illiteracy eradication, combat domestic violence and child abuse and encourage the advancement of women in science and technology.
4. On education: The NEC noted the need to continue reinculcating the culture of learning, teaching and service and that it should be the responsibility of all of society to become a learning, teaching and servicing nation.
On Peace and Stability: The NEC welcomed the report given which showed a steely resolve to deal with criminality in all its forms.
1. The NEC noted that there still existed an intimate relationship between high levels of poverty and an increase in crime.
2. The continued transformation of the judiciary was identified as uppermost in our agenda of creating a peaceful and stable SA.
3. Tighter rural safety measures need to be embarked upon by safety and security line functions together with farmers, Ministry of Agriculture and other stake- holders to deal with the problem of farm killings
4. The Peace and Stability cluster was challenged to continue with its good work and synergise its efforts increasingly.
On rural development strategy : An extensive report was given where there was general acceptance of the proposals tabled.
1. The NEC welcomed the number of pilot projects that were running in areas like Lusikisiki and emphasized the need a continued people- approach in the implementation of our initiatives.
2. More work still needed to be done and costing of these pilot projects was crucial in our action plan.
On local government elections:
1. An agreement reached by the NEC noted that the date of the elections should not disturb the learning process and the end - of the year examinations.
2. Preparations for elections should be inclusive of all the components alliance and allow for flexibility.
3. The NEC reconfirmed its position on the appointment of executive mayors and chairpersons of district councils by the National Deployment Committee in consultation with the Provincial Deployment Committees.
National General Council
The African National Congress agreed on the 12 - 15th July 2000 as the sitting of its NGC, to be held at the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) in the Eastern Cape. A National General Council Preparation Committee has been set up which will look into all the aspects that will ensure a successful National General Council. Key on the agenda, will be policy matters, organizational programme and an assessment of the transformation process in South Africa since 1994.
In conclusion, the NEC meeting ended on a positive note, highly upbeat about the future of our country.
For more information, contact Nomfanelo Kota-Mayosi at 082 -570- 5072 or nmayosi@anc.org.za
Issued by the Head of the Presidency and Communications: Smuts Ngonyama
51 Plein Street
Johannesburg
2000