6 May 2008
The ANC National Working Committee held one of its regular fortnightly meetings yesterday (Monday 5 May 2008) in Johannesburg.
Energy Summit
The NWC continued the ANC's preparations for its participation in the national energy summit due to be held on Friday 16 May. The ANC is confident that the summit will provide workable and sustainable solutions on the question of electricity tariffs and pricing policy.
The ANC calls on all stakeholders to make an earnest and concerted effort to resolve these matters in the interests of all South Africans, particularly the poor, bearing in mind the current economic environment.
Trade Policy
The NWC received a briefing on South Africa's approach to negotiations on international trade policy. It expressed concern at the uneven process of liberalisation, which disadvantages countries of the developing world.
The ANC supports the South African government's approach to multilateral trade negotiations. It is important that agreements reached strengthen the position of the poor, provide greater access for products from developing countries to developed markets, and do not undermine food security.
It is important for countries in the SADC region to work together to avoid a 'race to the bottom'. The integration of our region is highly dependent on our ability to develop intra-regional trade and secure trade agreements that benefit the entire region.
SABC
The meeting received a briefing by the ANC Study Group on Communications on the situation at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The meeting reaffirmed the right and responsibility of the parliamentary portfolio committee to perform its oversight role.
It concurred with the portfolio committee in its expression of concern at the apparent breakdown in relations between the SABC board and management - which has been aggravated by the leaking of a confidential internal memo.
The NWC understands that the expression of no confidence by the committee was based on the board's failure to exercise its care, knowledge, diligence and fiduciary duties pertaining to the corporation.
It called on the SABC board to respond positively to the serious concerns that have been raised.
Deployment of ANC Deputy President
The ANC can confirm that the name of ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has been submitted to Parliament so that he may be sworn in as a Member of Parliament. The matter of where he would be deployed in government - as mandated by the last meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) - remains work in progress.
Zimbabwe elections
The release by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of the results of the presidential election is a positive development, which is long overdue. In the event of the run-off vote, it is critically important that an environment exists for the people of Zimbabwe to exercise their right to vote in a free, fair and peaceful manner. In this regard, the ANC expresses concern at reports of violence and intimidation emanating from that country.
The ANC continues to support the mediation efforts, led by South African President Thabo Mbeki, which made a significant contribution to the fairness and peacefulness of the first round of voting. These mediation efforts need to continue so that the process can be seen through to a conclusion that represents the will of the people of Zimbabwe.
Release of Khampepe Report
The ANC welcomes the release of the full report of the Khampepe Commission into the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO).
While the key recommendations of the Khampepe Commission have been in the public domain for some time, the release of the full report strengthens the ANC's case for the dissolution of the unit.
In particular, the report highlights many of the serious concerns that led to the resolution of the ANC's Polokwane Conference on this matter.
These include the overlapping mandate and potential for conflict between the Scorpions and the SAPS, the lack of coordination and cooperation between the Scorpions and SAPS on priority crimes, and concerns about the DSO's intelligence gathering functions.
The ANC hopes that this report will contribute to a considered and rational public debate on these issues.
For further information, queries or interview requests contact:
Tiyani Rikhotso 079 879 7974
Steyn Speed 082 572 7304
Vuyisa Manyandela 011 376 1052