By Thys Khiba – Speaking at the African National Congress (ANC) 110th celebration in Fezile Dabi region at Kwakwatsi Hall in Koppies, the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) MEC and ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) member Makalo Mohale said in their efforts to renew and unite the ANC, people and voters must view it as their hope.
“The African National Congress celebrates this year under the theme of ‘Unity and Renewal to defend and advance South Africa’s Democratic gains,” said Makalo.
According to Makalo, without unity anything that they would want to achieve as a political party will be without a value. He continued to say that unity is essential for his political party as it is expected to unite African people.
Makalo was expected to be joined by other members of the Free State IPC like William Bulwane, Kenalemang Phukuntsi and IRC Convener Sizwe Mbalo. He started his address by apologizing for starting later than the scheduled time.
“Let me start first by apologizing for starting our session late, especially to elders who were here before 10:00am. We thank you for your patience and for respecting the ANC by coming earlier than the requested time,” said Makalo.
Makalo has encouraged members of the ANC to do a political self-introspection, using the ANC meetings’ poor attendance as an assessment to evaluate the relevance that his party still has in the community of Free State.
Makalo, who was speaking as a member of the IPC structure said that the ANC needs party leaders who will think about the community before they think about their friends and families. He continued to warn the ANC members about individuals and groups who are doing everything in their power to destroy the image of their party by using court cases.
He told the ANC members that the focus should be to deal with internal challenges like factionalism, plotting and distracting against each other.
Meanwhile, the Fezile Dabi Regional Convener Sizwe Mbalo told ANC members at the gathering that they are not going to pronounce their preferred presidential candidate until the party nomination processes unfold.
While he was in the Free State for the renewal and unity project, former ANC President, Thabo Mbeki has warned against what he calls a “trap” where suddenly African National Congress (ANC) gatherings are used to already pronounce on the next party leaders, way ahead of the 55th elective conference in December.
This is after the party Provincial Chairperson of Limpopo, Stan Mathabatha confirmed that that Limpopo would support Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term in office.
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