Global Courant
Image: Nieuws24
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape is gearing up for its much-anticipated election conference over the weekend, with a focus on addressing internal dissent within the party.
The conference, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is expected to be attended by more than 700 delegates. This meeting marks the first time in eight years that the party has elected a provincial leader.
On Wednesday, the ANC released its conference discussion papers. Speaking at a press briefing, Nobulumko Nkondlo acknowledged that the party’s position in the province is currently at its weakest in more than a decade.
Nkondlo stated that the ANC would address internal challenges that have contributed to the party’s weakened position, such as weak structures, low membership and the loss of activists and civil servants who have lost connection with their communities.
She further explained that discussions at the conference would focus on addressing problematic issues within the organization, including the influence of money in politics. In addition, there would be conversations about organizational renewal, women’s empowerment, gender equality and finding solutions to the wider socio-economic challenges facing the people.
The released discussion papers cover various topics. One paper will address political economy, exploring issues such as spatial justice, economic inequality, and individual developments. Another document will examine voting patterns in the county and highlight top priorities for voters based on research and surveys.
The main purpose of sharing these discussion papers is to promote extensive deliberations between ANC members deployed to the conference by various branches. These discussions will address policy issues and organizational concerns, allowing members to express different perspectives and generate a set of solid proposals that will serve as a blueprint for the new Provincial Executive Committee as it charts a renewed path forward.
Nkondlo stressed the importance of addressing issues such as equal access to healthcare, quality education and housing for all residents. She also stressed the need to amplify the voices of marginalized communities that lack basic services such as electricity and clean water. Resolving the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality, as well as promoting unity beyond racial, class and gender differences, are among the other critical issues the conference must address.
The battle for the chairman position is expected to mainly involve Richard Dyantyi, the current ANC leader in the provincial legislature, Cameron Dugmore, and senior government official Justin de Allende.
Of the 700 in attendance, 650 delegates represent ANC chapters, regional executive committees, the Interim Provincial Committee and leagues. The remaining 50 delegates will be guests of alliance partners, fraternal organizations and other stakeholders.
One of the ANC’s top seven national officials is expected to open and close the conference.
The conference aims to prioritize formulating a plan to bring the Democratic Alliance majority below 50% on the party’s agenda for the weekend.
ANC WESTERN CAPE CONFERENCE: DELEGATES SET UP
World News,Next Big Thing in Public Knowledg
#ANC #WESTERN #CAPE #CONFERENCE #DELEGATES #SET
