8 may 2000
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ANC concluded a three day meeting in Johannesburg on Sunday with important decisions and resolutions on key organisational issues.
Key among these was the decision to dissolve Provincial Executive Committees of two of the provinces, Gauteng and Free State. The decision, taken in consultation with the organisation’s structures in the two provinces, was born out of the need to restore cohesion and stability in the organisation in the run-up to the National General Council and Local Government elections later in the year. It was also to restore the good image of the ANC in the public eye.
The ructions and rumblings caused by divisions within the organisation in these two provinces were threatening to tarnish the good image in the eyes of the public, of the ANC as a united and disciplined organisation and the guarantors of a better future for all South Africans. They also hampered collective efforts to strengthen the organisation by attracting new members to its ranks.
The commitment by the ANC to improve the quality of Governance at local level led to a decision to appoint executive mayors for the Metropolitan Councils, mayors of strategic councils and chairpersons of Executive Councils. The decision is influenced by, among other things, the strategic importance of such areas and the challenges of transformation brought to the fore by the experience of the past years since 1994.
The Executive Mayoral System is one where a mayor is elected by the Municipal Council and the mayor then establishes a mayoral committee of not more than ten persons. An executive mayor is, therefore, not dissimilar to the Provincial Premiers and Executive Council system.
A number of criteria will be considered in the selection of an executive mayor. These include unquestionable political leadership qualities such as an integrity that is beyond reproach and a profile of good standing within the movement as well as within the broad community.
One of the qualities required of such a mayor will be the understanding of international politics since the Metropolitan Councils interact directly with the international community. He or she must show a commitment to root out any elements of corruption, nepotism and patronage and guard against ostentatious display of power and position. Management skills are also critical.
The meetimg highlighted a number of immediate organisational priorities facing the ANC, especially in the run-up to the National General Council and the coming Local Government elections. They include:
A paper on racism was vigorously debated on and recommended that the ANC, as a vanguard organisation will have to unleash all its organisational machinery, both in practice and in theory, to lead the fight to end racism in South Africa. A concern was raised that South Africans have not yet come to grips with the problem of how to address racism.
Preparations for the National General Council and Local Government Elections are on course. Relevant documents and the necessary mechanisms have been put in place.
Issued by Smuts Ngonyama
Head of Presidency and Communications
51 Plein Street
Johannesburg
2001
8 May 2000