Statement of the ANC National Working Committee

20 January 2009

The launch of the ANC's 2009 election manifesto in East London was an unqualified success, the ANC National Working Committee (NWC) said following its fortnightly meeting in Johannesburg yesterday (19 January 2009).

The NWC expressed its gratitude to the tens of thousands of people who attended the launch, and the Eastern Cape activists who worked so hard over the festive period to mobilise for the rally.

The manifesto has been particularly well-received since its release, prompting much debate across all sectors of society about how we can work together to address the challenges the country faces.

The NWC expressed its gratitude to the thousands of members of the public who made a contribution to the manifesto, helping to ensure that it is a plan that speaks to the needs and interests of the people.

As the ANC goes out to campaign for its manifesto it aims to extend the process of dialogue and public debate so that the ANC's plans for the next five years are further enriched and developed. To this end, the ANC will make use of every available opportunity - ranging from door-to-door engagements to online debates - to ensure that these issues remain at the fore in this election.

The NWC agreed to call on all South Africans to turn out in great numbers to register, and to check that they are registered, on the IEC's final voter registration weekend on 7-8 February. Only by ensuring that they are registered to vote will South Africans be able to take a hand in determining their future.

The NWC confirmed the ANC's support for the decision of the President of the Republic, Kgalema Motlanthe, regarding the position of the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The meeting reaffirmed the need to move quickly to finalise this matter in Parliament and ensure that the post is filled.

The NWC also urged progress in placing the management of the SA Police Service on a permanent footing capable of giving effective direction to the fight against crime.

The ANC reaffirms its confidence in the President of the Republic, and pledges its full support in the execution of his responsibilities. The ANC will continue, as it has done for 15 years, to discuss any relevant matters within its structures, and to provide strategic direction to its deployees in government without interfering with government processes.

This is an established practice in South Africa and in many countries across the world, and does not detract from the ability of deployees in government from carrying out their mandated function.

The NWC rejected any suggestions that ANC National Executive Committee member Blade Nzimande was involved in any campaign to undermine any individuals within the organisation or government. It warned against those propagating falsehoods, and those giving credence to such rumours.

Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
National Spokesperson
African National Congress

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