51st
National Conference
Related Documents
Resolutions
20 December 2002
Stellenbosch
Contents
Resolution On Social Transformation
- On Attacking Poverty and Comprehensive Social Security
- On Health for All
- On Human Resource Development
- On Housing, Basic Services & Human Settlements
- On Land Reform
- On Heritage, Sports And Recreation, Arts And Culture
- On Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Resolutions On International Relations
- On The International Balance Of Forces
- On Popular Participation In The AU And NEPAD
- On NEPAD And Partnerships
- On Good Governance And Democracy In Africa
- On Peace, Stability And An End To Conflicts In Africa
- On Refugee Policy
- On Review Of Immigration Policy
- On Globalisation
- On The Fight Against Terrorism
- On Unilateralism
- On International Non-Sexism And Gender Equality
- Transformation Of Multilateral Institutions
- Twinning Of Cities, Municipalities And Provinces
- International Solidarity
- On Palestine
- On Western Sahara
- Building Relations On The Continent, South-To-South Co-Operation, And North To South Dialogue
- On Rightwing Resurgence And The Rise Of Fundamentalist Ideologies
- Strengthening The Department Of Foreign Affairs
- Building The World Progressive Movement
- Strengthening Party-To-Party Relations
- Strengthening The ANC International Affairs Department
- Socialist International
- On The World Summit On Sustainable Development
Economic Transformation
- Policy Framework
- Unemployment & Under-Employment
- Black Economic Empowerment
- Restructuring Of State-Owned Assets And Enterprises
- Building A Co-Operative Movement
- Labour And Human Resources Development
- Fiscal Policy
- Combating Inflation
- The Global Economic
- System
- New Partnership For Africa’s Development
- Mining
- Agriculture And Food Security
- Fishing And Mariculture
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Technological Innovation
- Energy
- The Financial Sector
- Local Economic Development
- Appendix to Economic Resolutions: Comments On Key Performance Indicators For Outcomes
Transformation Of The State And Governance
- On an Electoral System
- On Anti-Corruption
- On Institutions Enhancing Democracy and Transformation
- On Performance Management in the Public Sector, Parliament, provincial legislatures and local councils
- On Participatory Democracy
- On Institutional Capacity Building for Improving Service Delivery
- On the role of Parastatals in transformation of the State
- On the Role of Local Government
- On Transforming the Public service, the creation of a Single Public Service and accelerating service delivery through Batho Pele
- On the size of legislatures
- On the relationship between the ANC Constitutional structures and institutions of Governance
Resolution On Infrastructure Development Resolution On Communications
- On Organisational communication
- On Government Communications
- On Broadcasting
- Internal Communication Machinery
- Training and Capacity Building
- External Communication
- Government
- Broadcasting
Resolution On Peace And Stability
- On Defence
- On the South African Police Services (SAPS)
- On Correctional Services
- On Intelligence
- On Justice
- On Home Affairs
Resolution On Targeted Groups
- On Women
- On Youth
- On Children
- On The Elderly
- On People With Disabilities
Resolution On Building The ANC
- On the Mass Character of the ANC
- On Cadre Development
- On Organisational Democracy and Discipline
- On the Leagues
- On the Veterans of the ANC
- On the Alliance and the Broad Movement for Transformation
- On Strengthening the Organisational Design of the ANC
2004 National Elections
Abbreviations
AIDS | Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome |
ANCWL | African National Congress Women’s League |
ANCYL | African National Congress Youth League |
AU | African Union |
BEC | Branch Executive Committee |
BEE | Black Economic Empowerment |
BIG | Basic Income Grant |
CEDAW | Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women |
COSAS | Congress of South African Students |
COSATU | Congress of South African Trade Unions |
CPF | Community Policing Forum |
DPSA | Disabled People of South Africa |
DRC | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
G7 | Group of Seven |
HIV | Human Immuno-deficiency Virus |
IBA | Independent Broadcasting Authority |
ICASA | Independent Communications Authority of South Africa |
ICFTU | International Confederation of Free Trade Unions |
ICT | Information and Communications Technologies |
IDNS | Integrated Disability National Policy |
IDP | Integrated Development Plan |
IEC | Independent Electoral Commission |
ILO | International Labour Organisation |
IMC | International Marketing Council |
IMF | International Monetary Fund |
ISRDP | Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme |
MDDA | Media Development and Diversity Agency |
MEC | Member of the Executive Council |
MKMVA | Mkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans Association |
MP | Member of Parliament |
MPL | Member of the Provincial Legislature |
MTEF | Medium Term Expenditure Framework |
NDR | National Democratic Revolution |
NEC | National Executive Committee |
NEPAD | New Partnership for Africa’s Development |
NGC | National General Council |
NGO | Non-governmental Organisation |
NSF | |
NYC | National Youth Council |
OSDP | Office on the Status Disabled People |
OSW | Office on the Status of Women |
PAWO | Pan African Women’s Organisation |
PCO | Parliamentary Constituency Office |
PEC | Provincial Executive Committee |
PFMA | Public Finance Management Act |
RDP | Reconstruction and Development Programme |
REC | Regional Executive Committee |
SABC | South African Broadcasting Corporation |
SADC | Southern African Development Community |
SADF | South African Defence Force (i.e. pre-1994) |
SANCO | South African National Civics Organisation |
SANDF | South African National Defence Force (i.e. post-1994) |
SAPS | South African Police Service |
SASCO | South African Students Congress |
SAYC | South African Youth Council |
SETA | Sectoral Education and Training Authority |
SGB | School Governing Body |
SMME | Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises |
SOE | State Owned Enterprise |
TB | Tuberculosis |
UN | United Nations |
URP | Urban Renewal Project |
WB | World Bank |
WCAR | World Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance |
WSSD | World Summit on Sustainable Development |
WTO | World Trade Organisation |
SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
Noting:
That the ANC in government has sought, and continues to seek, to confront the challenges of poverty and underdevelopment, and to ensure a better life for all through a comprehensive people-centred and people-driven programme of social transformation.
That the ANC has the appropriate policies to achieve the above, whose relevance to the task of social transformation remains, but confronts the major challenge of scaling up effective implementation.
That the 50th National Conference at Mafikeng directed that redressing poverty and inequalities must be a central focus of the ANC to ensure that government and other sectors of society meet the basic needs of the under-privileged of our country, and supported the development of a comprehensive social security system, including contributory and non-contributory social security measures.
That, in pursuance of this resolution, the government appointed a commission led by Taylor to investigate the possibilities of developing a comprehensive social security policy, drawing from existing social services and grants, and to propose ways in which all existing means to provide a social wage are strengthened.
That the Taylor report provides a basis for the development of such a social security policy, and affirms the need to strengthen the implementation and to expand the reach of existing policies, while finding new ways to close existing gaps, which leave certain people still vulnerable.
That part of dealing with poverty is the need to ensure food security, including dealing with the impact of food crises on the poor. A critical intervention, which needs to be maintained because of its positive impact on the culture of learning and teaching, is the School Nutrition Programme. In this regard, advances and improvements over time have been made, but serious challenges remain, including the exploitation of the programme by unscrupulous operators.
The untargeted distribution of the National Lottery Funds, and the fragmentation of the public sector pension system
That since Mafikeng, significant progress in the delivery of Health Care has been achieved. However the high levels of poverty afflicting some of our communities continues to expose them to a variety of social and infectious illnesses, as characterised by the growing burden of disease related to TB, HIV and AIDS, the recent outbreaks of cholera in some provinces, alcohol and substance abuse, high levels of intentional and unintentional injuries and chronic and non-communicable diseases.
That the government has pursued the programme of transformation of our Education and Training system as a major part of dealing with the capacity of our people to participate meaningfully in the betterment of their own lives, and that this has seen an increase in access to education and training.
That the programme to restructure the Further Education and Training sector continues, and proposals for the restructuring of higher education have been released for public comment.
That skills development has begun to take centre stage, even for employers, through the introduction of the skills levy, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA’s) and the learnership programmes.
That the delivery of houses has continued, but issues of the quality of houses, the sale of RDP houses by the beneficiaries, the appropriateness of RDP houses in rural settings, the provision of other community services simultaneously with houses, the provision of houses for farm-workers and agricultural communities, the link between our housing policy and the integration of our settlements, as well as the role of developers and municipalities in housing delivery have been raised at different platforms by our people, and therefore need to be attended to.
That progress in housing delivery is undermined by rapid urbanization and the proliferation of informal settlements.
That land reform is being accelerated, but the challenge remains the provision of land for human settlements in a manner that will assist to reverse Apartheid human settlement patterns, and address land tenure issues in communal areas.
The need for an ANC-led mass based, campaign of rural development which builds partnerships between government, rural communities and farmers, and which could encompass all aspects of development including land reform rural development projects, rural literacy campaigns etc.
That despite the introduction of measures such as the Extension of Security of Tenure Act (ESTA), farm evictions continue, the human rights of farm-workers continue to be infringed and farm workers are deprived access to many basic services, including the right to free political activity.
That South Africa is far in advance of the targets on water and sanitation adopted by the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), and that South African targets reflect the need to provide clean water to all by 2008, and eliminate sanitation problems completely by 2010.
That the transformation of sport and recreation is part and parcel of the overall transformation of South African society, including nation building, and that sports remain an important vehicle through which to ensure a better life for all.
The limitations placed on women, rural communities, youth and people with disabilities with regard to participating in sport and recreation, and the backlog in the development of sports facilities in disadvantaged communities and for people with disabilities and women.
The centrality of school/youth sport in the sports arena.
The centrality of Arts and Culture in nation building;
The rich history of the African National Congress as an organization, as an important part of the broader heritage of our country.
The poor roads and transport services in many parts of our country, especially in rural areas.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The ANC is the leading force for social transformation and its cadres carry an obligation to spearhead and lead transformation wherever they are deployed, guided by the slogans, vision and objectives of the ANC.
The social transformation agenda of the ANC, as espoused in the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), is based on the fundamental objective of building a more equal, humane, people-centred and people-driven and caring society.
Our attack on poverty must seek to empower people to take themselves out of poverty, while creating adequate social nets to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
A combination of policies around a social wage, social grants, as well as programmes aimed at engaging people in the reconstruction of our communities can make a meaningful contribution towards the eradication of poverty.
The poor should have access to quality education that will ensure that they are able to move out of the shackles of poverty, and that the funding model for schools should ensure that schools serving the poor are adequately provided for in terms of infrastructure and basic educational resources.
Targeting specific scarce skills and accelerating their production will not only build the capacity of the country in those skills needed by the economy, but will also assist us in achieving equity and representivity in certain professions, and increase the black intelligentsia.
Integrating land and housing delivery can go a long way in assisting to deracialise our human settlements.
Water and sanitation delivery remains critical to improving the health profile of our nation.
We must continue to strengthen efforts to provide affordable health care for all, addressing several areas within the system, including the major causes of mortality, communicable and non-communicable diseases, quality of care, human resource development and public health issues.
HIV and AIDS confront South Africa with an urgent and present challenge to our social institutions, our human resources and the reconstruction and development of our society.
We need special efforts to protect the rights of farm workers, who are amongst the vulnerable groups in our society, and to provide them with opportunities for a better life.
The ANC has to lead in the building of a new South African identity, using sports, culture, heritage, and all other appropriate mechanisms.
There is a need to promote mobility of our people with safety and to provide access to services, schools, work places and amenities, especially in rural areas.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
On Attacking Poverty and Comprehensive Social Security
To call on the government to continue with plans towards a comprehensive social security system, through the consolidation and ongoing review of all existing social security measures such as the UIF and all social grants, the introduction of a national health insurance and through strengthening and progressively expanding the social wage, including removing all obstacles to the delivery of free basic services to all in the shortest possible time, particularly in municipalities that serve the rural poor.
That government should expand the reach of existing programmes such as the child support grant and the school nutrition programme to more children by raising the age of eligibility to the child grant and expanding the school nutrition programme to children beyond grade R and in public secondary schools where possible. Schools and School Governing Bodies (SGB’s) should encourage the establishment of food gardens
To continue the campaign to ensure that all children eligible for grants do access them, and to remove obstacles such as non-registration and lack of proper documentation.
To continue to engage progressive forces campaigning for the introduction of the Basic Income Grant (BIG) on our approach of focusing on a comprehensive social security system consistent with a people-driven and people-centred developmental approach to poverty eradication.
To explore possibilities of equalizing the pension age for pension benefits, linking it to the retirement age.
That the National Executive Committee should look at the issue of former members of MK who did not qualify for special pensions due to age.
To deal with the effects of unemployment through a comprehensive public works programme linked to urban renewal and the integrated rural development strategy and to move faster towards the implementation of a National Youth Service Programme at all levels.
To expedite the separation of social security from social development and to build state capacity to deal with its responsibility for social development.
To ensure adequate funding to meet the social security, poverty alleviation and social development challenges in the country.
To implement the integrated food security strategy (as adopted by Cabinet in July 2002) and to further develop a sustainable food policy strategy that ensures food security at all times (especially during the times of vulnerability as a consequence of natural disaster, price hikes, etc) and which directly impacts on food prices for the poor, with a specific focus on women, the elderly, people with disabilities and children.
To investigate the possibility of introducing an integrated public sector pension system.
To prioritise the equitable distribution of the National Lottery Funds to identified vulnerable groupings (e.g. women, children, youth, the aged, and so forth) and continually monitor the impact of gambling and the lottery on the poor.
To urge government to work closely with civil society to combat and eliminate corruption and abuse of the social security system in all its manifestations. On Health for All
- That, in respect of national health insurance:
- Government must speed up the implementation of the recommendations of the commission of inquiry into a comprehensive social security system in the spirit of the Mafikeng conference resolution on the National Health Insurance (NHI).
- Such a scheme should enhance the equitable access by the general public to health care and reduce the inequities between the private and public health providers.
- Specific emphasis should be placed on strengthening the capacity of the public health system to generate revenue from those who can afford to pay and ensure that such revenue is used to improve the public health system.
- We must ensure that state medical aid support for its employees is designed so as to strengthen the public system; and
- Ensure that persons in the custody of state through the criminal justice system are cared for in the public health institutions.
- That with regards to health care we should act to:
- Strengthen primary health care, especially in rural areas, by among others eradicating the backlog of health services and improving the availability of doctors and nurses, especially in clinics.
- Improve the management and governance of hospitals and clinics with community participation.
- Decisively attack communicable and preventable illness through amongst others, immunization programme, strengthened measures to combat cholera and tuberculosis and ensuring the early treatment of chronic and non-communicable diseases.
- Accelerate appropriate decentralization of certain health services to local government with appropriate resources.
- Put in place strategies to ensure access to health care on a 24-hour basis.
- Ensure that norms and standards including staffing and service delivery that are applicable across the country are implemented over the next five years.
- Accelerate the integration of the traditional healing system and the military health services to the public health system.
- Accelerate strategies for the training and retention of health professionals.
- Strengthen programmes for child nutrition, food security and the improvement of nourishment.
- Accelerate strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
- Accelerate campaigns against drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse.
- Strengthen the implementation of the Patient’s Charter and Service pledge and the establishment of patients’ complaint procedures and help desks at all health care institutions.
- Strengthen the distribution of drugs so that they reach all our people.
- Ensure access to affordable medicines including speeding up the implementation of Act 90 of 97 on the implementation of generic substitution and parallel importation.
- Facilitate the issue of compulsory licensing where appropriate.
- Ensure appropriate funding and equitable access to specialized and highly specialized services for all citizens.
- On HIV and AIDS:
- To strengthen and accelerate the implementation of the national AIDS strategy, as amplified in the cabinet statement of 17 April 2002.
- The ANC to be at the forefront of community mobilisation and leadership around HIV and AIDS especially around awareness, prevention, voluntary testing and counselling, treatment and care. This should include clinical protocol guidelines, training programmes and support for health workers, infrastructure for the monitoring and follow up of patients, the treatment of opportunistic infections and the use of anti-retroviral drugs where appropriate.
- To accelerate research and testing on vaccines, as well as immunity boosters.
- To strengthen the functioning of national, provincial, district and local AIDS councils with appropriate accountability mechanisms
- Investigate making HIV and AIDS a notifiable disease, taking account of the issues of patient confidentiality and stigmatisation.
- To continue to fight the continued discrimination by insurance companies of dependants of people who have died of AIDS related diseases.
- Mitigating the impact of Aids by rooting out discrimination and stigma against infected and affected people and building psycho-social support, providing essential medical care, providing support to families caring for people living with AIDS and orphans and developing effective workplace programmes.
- Developing community capacity to respond to the pandemic including home based care, by strengthening broad anti-poverty and community development programme. On Human Resource Development
To support the government’s plan to review the funding model for schools to ensure that schools serving the poor are adequately provided with basic educational resources, including analysing factors leading to the growing cost of education, especially for the poor, and to call for such a review to be accelerated.
Accelerate the programme to address scarce skills, using the good will of countries with bilateral agreements with South Africa to train our people in the much-needed skills in the economy, and to focus on building a black intelligentsia in particular, and progressive intelligentsia in general.
That government should introduce a system of incentives to attract and retain skilled professionals in the underserved areas, particularly rural areas.
That government should explore the possibility of introducing community service in other professions (in addition to the current health profession) prioritising those sectors critical to the social transformation agenda.
That we should ensure the development of a Human Resource Development (HRD) strategy within the ANC aimed at deliberately developing ANC cadres to occupy strategic positions in the economy in line with our deployment strategy.
Continue steps towards the integration of education and training.
To expand the provision of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) and Early Childhood Development (ECD), and to review the content of ABET, with a view to ensure more relevant curriculum for ABET. The ANC and the government should ensure that the money collected through the skills levies is used effectively for skills development
To support the Ministry of Education’s plans to review the operation of School Governing Bodies, especially the relationship between these structures and management structures in schools, districts and provinces and ensure that they are democratic and representative.
To mobilize our structures, and communities behind the proposed restructuring programme and the transformation of all higher education institutions.
To urge government to examine ways to curb the loss of professionals, especially those that serve the rural poor to the developed world, including improving incentives to make them stay.
To accelerate the HRD programme in the public service, building capacity in municipalities, civil society, and in the key areas of service delivery affecting the social transformation programme. This should include strengthening and expanding learnership (internship) programmes at all spheres and across all departments of government and the extension of community service for all higher education students.
To support the government’s focus on the development of Information Communications and Technology (ICT) skills in and through education, and to urge the government to ensure that ICT rollout touches all public schools in the country with visible speed, including continuing work on the ICT institute. On Housing, Basic Services & Human Settlements
To urge the government to make a deliberate effort to accelerate the social transformation programme through visible and purposeful funding mechanisms aimed at meeting the basic needs of all people with a sense of urgency.
To accelerate the water and sanitation programme to ensure that all are sustainably served with clean water by 2008, and that sanitation problems are eliminated by 2010, and sooner where possible with regard to both programmes.
To urge government to implement our national water resource strategy, so that the collection of rainwater (i.e. rain water harvesting) for domestic purposes is promoted, including the development of household vegetable gardening for food security.
To expand the provision of housing to include social housing, people’s housing processes, rental housing, as well as appropriate housing for rural people, including the development of agricultural villages and ensuring proper living conditions for farm workers.
To find mechanism to curb the resale of RDP houses and redistributed land by beneficiaries, and to route out corruption to ensure that the people who are provided with housing are those who are really in need.
To ensure that the matter of the attachment of RDP houses by municipalities as part of their credit control measures will be investigated.
To ensure acquisition of state land to make deliberate interventions to reverse Apartheid settlement patterns, and to develop non-racial human settlements.
To urge government to develop a programme on the upgrading of existing informal settlement, ensure that they are located on land suitable and appropriate for human settlement and to curb the proliferation of new informal settlements.
Promote local road development and maintenance, especially rural roads and transport facilities, and to promote road safety programmes.
To capacitate relevant local authorities to speed up the delivery of houses. On Land Reform
To endorse the processes undertaken by government thus far, including the enactment of legislation on communal land, and to call for land reform to be accelerated.
To examine carefully land ownership and usage patterns in the country, especially the sale of land to foreigners, which leads to pricing beyond the reach of South Africans.
To urge government to conduct an audit of state-owned land to ensure it is used optimally and in line with our goals and our objectives.
To ensure integration between our housing, agricultural, and land reform programmes.
To harmonise policy between all spheres of government on land ownership and disposal.
To work with other formations, mobilise our people in the rural areas and lead a popular campaign for rural development.
To mobilise to strengthen safety, security and access to justice for farm-workers, engage with farmers on the provision of basic services and ensure that land reform programmes also give farm workers access to the land. On Heritage, Sports And Recreation, Arts And Culture
That the ANC must give the lead in sport and recreation transformation through an ANC Sports Desk and sports structures of the alliance at all levels, the use of sports by the ANC and its allies to promote community development, and the adoption of a National Transformation Charter on sports.
To urge government to play a central and, where necessary, interventionist role in the transformation of sports and recreation, and to develop programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing the levels of youth participation in sport as part of moral regeneration, meeting other developmental needs, and integrating all societies and meeting other developmental needs of our society.
To ensure that the proposals to place sports development and sports education within schools under the Education Department, and school competitive sport within the Sports Department, and cooperation between the two departments on school sports.
To ensure the development of sports infrastructure, especially in disadvantaged areas.
To promote participation of people with disabilities in sports as a mechanism for social integration, and to ensure that reference to sports teams, such as the use of the supposed pet name ” Amkrokokroko”, do not perpetuate stereotypes about people with disabilities.
To urge government to fully integrate disability at all levels of policy planning and implementation in sports.
To promote indigenous sports as part of nation building and the African Renaissance.
That the Arts and Culture component within the ANC’s Social Transformation Committee must lead in the transformation of Arts and Culture, and the promotion of a South African identity, drawing on the rich heritage of our country.
To reinforce the role of families in moral regeneration through support measures necessary for family revival.
That the ANC must lead in the promotion of our national symbols, as a mechanism for building a new South African identity, particularly by adopting the national anthem of the country as an official version for ANC gatherings.
That the ANC must protect its own cultural heritage, including its history as part of a major contribution to the South African national identity and ensures ways to keep that history alive and passed from generation to generation.
That the government must expedite the programme to develop heritage sites, and the ANC must lead in the promotion of heritage and historical memory at local level through all forms of remembrance.
That the government should accelerate the programme to develop and promote all the languages of our country, particularly previously disadvantaged languages. The ANC must also move with speed in developing and implementing a language policy for Parliament. On Indigenous Knowledge Systems
That the Indigenous Knowledge Systems of our country and the African continent (which include social issues and institutions, technology, biodiversity, biotechnology and the liberation process) must be promoted and protected as part of our transformation process, and as an integral part of NEPAD.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
ON THE INTERNATIONAL BALANCE OF FORCES
CONFERENCE NOTED THAT:
The ANC’s Strategy and Tactics document adopted at our 50th National Conference in 1997 remains valid and relevant to the current international situation. Our international policy conforms with the principles of our national policies based on good governance, peace and stability, human rights and creating a better life for all, by creating a better world.
The ANC-led government has taken its rightful place in international relations, playing a leading role within the UN and other international organizations. Our delegations are central in all major developments. Together with other leading players our delegation was in the vanguard at many international conferences, including World conference against Racism, the WTO Ministerial in Doha, the UN Conference on Financing for Development in Monterey and the World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
The world remains divided between the rich developed nations and the poor developing nations, and that this gap is widening, as is the gap between rich and poor within all societies. The South African reality, of a divided society, one section being rich and well resourced and the other poor and under-resourced, reflects this international dichotomy.
Globalisation has become an established trend, with both negative and positive features. Rather than adopting an attitude of blanket opposition towards it, globalisation should be understood dialectically, with destructive as well as constructive features that can create new opportunities, which developing countries should seize.
The international balance of forces has been radically transformed by the posture adopted by the Republican administration of the USA which has embraced unilateralism and big power politics as its principal thrust. It is employing official development assistance to reinforce a USA centred Alliance system, and as an instrument to pressurize countries into conformity and to punish governments it disapproves of.
The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 also serve as a pretext and stimulant for US unilateralism. Overt interventionism has become an explicit feature of the US foreign policy, with the openly stated purpose of forcefully changing governments. Since international terrorism is a global threat, this new direction of the US policy has encountered very little resistance from its allies and other nations. In pursuance of this policy direction, the Republican administration supplements unilateralism with the creation of “coalitions of the willing” which it then employs for its foreign policy objectives. Pre-emptive military strikes and gunboat diplomacy has once again become a key feature of some countries in the west and there has been an upsurge of Islamophobia.
There has also been a rightward shift in the electoral politics of Western Europe leading to heightening xenophobia, racism and a “fortress Europe” mentality. In opposition to this the developing countries have attempted to create solidarity among themselves, to build their collective capacity to handle conflict within and amongst developing countries, and to create mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Though there has been a marked improvement in the Human Rights situation internationally, the accession of the Republican Administration in the USA, is leading to the erosion of gains on the multilateral plain, threatening the effectiveness on UN multilateral system.
In the developed countries we have witnessed the retreat or virtual disintegration of progressive forces. The marginalisation of the poorest and most vulnerable members of society in both the North and the South has made rightwing fundamentalism an attractive ideology. Because of these trends, we have also witnessed a clawing back of many human rights, including the rights and the gains women have made during the latter part of the 20th century. The Beijing Programme of Action and related international instruments are being reversed as a result of the growing strength of rightwing religious and secular movements. However, anti – war sentiment and the desire for peace still animates many sections of society in the countries of the North. Networks built on the principle of human solidarity, democratic government and peace have also gathered limited momentum.
- There are a number of international flash points, including the Middle East, South Asia and a number of African countries. Among these the Middle East (Israeli/Palestine, US/Iraq) is probably the most volatile. International conflicts are fuelled by the proliferation of trade in small arms, and that, in the post Cold War environment, humanity is still faced with the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
ON POPULAR PARTICIPATION IN THE AU AND NEPAD
Noting That:
The 50th National Conference of the ANC in Mafikeng contributed to the development of NEPAD, as a programme of the AU aimed at bringing about peace, stability and security, eradication of poverty, development, human resources, economic revival of Africa, democracy, good governance, human rights,
The launching of the AU and the adoption of NEPAD is a significant development in the advancement of Africa’s cause and has created the possibility of fundamental change in Africa’s political and economic landscape.
We need an effective outreach programme to popularise AU and its programme, NEPAD.
The continuing challenge of building a new world order and the challenges faced by Africa in particular.
The formation of AU and the final drafting of NEPAD were mainly led by the Heads of States and government departments.
The weak or non-existence of organs of civil society in most African countries as a result of civil strife and wars in these countries.
The limited participation of women in decision-making in most African countries and in regional and continental structures.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The involvement of the masses, of women, youth and organs of civil society is critical for the sustainability and successful implementation of NEPAD and the operation of AU.
The participation of the masses in this programme is in line with our long held principle that the people are their own liberators.
The recent adoption of NEPAD by the United Nations General Assembly in a special resolution for the first time places Africa’s development high on the global agenda.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC must design a programme to interact with branches of the ANC and civil society in general to capacitate and educate them around the AU and its programme NEPAD. This programme should also involve National Caucus and MPs. The ultimate objective of this programme must be to build strong ANC that is able to mobilise communities and civil society at large through, amongst other measures, the creation of forums that will deepen understanding of NEPAD.
We should look into various organisational and government strategies and mechanisms to involve the broader South African society on the implementation of NEPAD and the AU as the organisational expression of the African Renaissance vision,
Through party-to-party relations the ANC must engage forces that appear to oppose principles embodied by AU and NEPAD with a view to win their support.
We must develop further the theoretical framework and content for better articulation of our vision of an African Renaissance.
The ANC should interact more closely with organs of civil society, women’, youth, workers and movements in particular, in other parts of the African continent to build a strong civil society that is able to play a leading role in the implementation of NEPAD. We should share our experience of the organisation of our revolutionary Alliance, whilst taking into consideration the peculiar conditions of these countries.
The ANC should continue to give its fullest support, promote and defend unreservedly NEPAD and the African Union (AU).
That the ANC should work to consolidate the participation and support of the Tripartite Alliance behind NEPAD.
We need an effective outreach programme to popularise the NEPAD and the AU.
ON NEPAD AND PARTNERSHIPS
Noting:
The emphasis on partnerships as a critical instrument to attract resources of the developed world and the private sector,
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Whilst NEPAD is an initiative and a product of Africans, the involvement of other countries of the South, as well as the developed world and the private sector is crucial in order to assist in the provision of both financial and technical resources for the success of NEPAD.
Such partnerships will be on the terms and conditions determined by Africans themselves.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That we should tap into resources of African countries and build partnerships amongst the countries of the continent and the South and simultaneously mobilise the developed world to participate in the NEPAD programmes.
To mobilise African development agencies to perform specific tasks that may need outsourcing in the implementation of NEPAD
To strive for greater self-reliance and genuine partnerships, which reduce the dependence on donor criteria for funding.
To be vigilant against the possible abuse of the principle of partnership by the developed world to impose its criteria so that we preserve African ownership of the programme.
ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA
Noting That:
One of the requirements for the success of AU and NEPAD is for African governments to practice and uphold the principles of democracy, good governance and accountability.
Our National Assembly has offered to host the Pan African Parliament in South Africa.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The principles of democracy and good governance are at the heart of the success of AU and NEPAD.
After independence, many African countries were characterised by dictatorship, corruption and military rule.
Any social programme that does not seek to promote democracy and good governance will not be sustainable in the long term
Arriving at a common understanding of what constitutes good governance by all African countries and decision-makers will facilitate the speedy implementation of NEPAD.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC and government should initiate dialogue, guided by the principles enshrined in NEPAD and the Constitutive Act of the AU, with various countries, institutions and decision-makers in Africa in order to develop common definitions of what constitutes good governance and democracy.
We must ensure the strengthening of the Peer Review Mechanism.
ON PEACE, STABILITY AND AN END TO CONFLICTS IN AFRICA
Noting That:
The struggle for peace and stability in Africa constitutes one of the major challenges facing the AU
Progress has been made in the resolution of conflicts in Angola, DRC, Sierra Leone, Comoros Island, Burundi and Sudan through the involvement of African multilateral institutions.
As a result, a number of countries are engaged in peace processes and some are in the process of reconstruction and development, following longstanding conflicts.
There are still a number of countries engulfed in civil strife and conflicts and that these are detrimental to meeting the objectives of the African renaissance.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Poverty and the legacy of colonialism, neo-colonialism and imperialism are the root causes of many of the conflicts in the continent.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That we should continue to involve ourselves as a country, within the multilateral institutions of the region and continent, in the peaceful and speedy resolutions of conflicts on the African continent.
To continue to lend support to countries seeking to build and strengthen national dialogue around the ongoing process of reconciliation, reconstruction and nation building.
To continue to contribute to peace-keeping operations in the continent.
To work to build and strengthen institutions of the AU and NEPAD aimed at peaceful resolutions of conflicts, such as the Peer Review Mechanism.
ON REFUGEE POLICY
Noting That:
South Africa is receiving an increasing number of refugees, especially from Africa.
There is no clear policy on refugees and the current legislation is inadequate to deal with refugee matters.
- Some of the refugees are not from war-torn countries, but are persons fleeing repression, torture, arrest and detention without trials within their countries.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Our policy on refugees should be in line with international standards.
Refugees must be protected and their human rights observed in accordance with the policy of the UN High Commission for Refugees.
Humane treatment of refugees is an integral part of promoting the vision of African renaissance.
- There is a need for the ANC and government to tighten its refugee policies such that, whilst it does not promote xenophobia, it does curb against abuse of our hospitality and moral blackmail.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
Our structures at all levels should be engaged and educated about the fight against xenophobia
South Africa should ensure that the resolutions adopted at UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) are implemented.
The government should engage the UN in resolving the problem of refugees, recognizing that some problems will be resolved by the peace efforts we are pursuing in Africa,
That we need to come up with a clear and a well-defined policy on refugees, including legislation that sets out a comprehensive refugee policy, which takes into account the following:
- Qualification criteria
- Application and renewable regulations
- Adequate infrastructure to meet the needs of refugees
- Rights and limitations of refugees
- Enforcement measures.
- To review the issue of the so-called economic refugees in South Africa in the light of the depressed economic situation in some countries in Africa.
ON REVIEW OF IMMIGRATION POLICY CONFERENCE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC and government revisit and deal with necessary amendments of the Immigration Act, which must include measures to deal firmly with illegal immigration.
- We remain committed to accelerate the economic growth of countries in Africa, within the framework of NEPAD as the economic prosperity of these countries will contribute to the reduction of the number of so-called economic refugees.
On Globalisation Noting That
The world in which we live is still characterized by the dominance of the capitalist mode of production.
We continually have to respond to rapidly changing external environment.
The nature of global governance is a complex phenomenon, which can be influenced by us in a positive manner.
The political and economic landscape of global governance is undemocratic both in form and content
Interaction between and amongst states is unavoidable, and that it takes place within a wider context of globalisation,
South Africa’s liberation is an expression of a changing world and at the same time meant the liberation of the last colonized people on the African continent.
Developments in international relations have not yet resolved the fundamental challenges facing human kind, such as poverty.
Developed countries continue to benefit from the global capitalist mode of production which in essence is determined by the multinational corporations,
The gap in income and resources between rich and the poor is increasing, both within and between countries. These disparities between the rich and the poor present risk to global peace and stability.
The digital divide between the developing countries and the developed world continues to widen.
Globalisation has provided both opportunities and constraints, despite the fact that major beneficiaries have been the rich nations, and has also witnessed the deepening of the social disparities between and within countries.
The coalition against terrorism as a result of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 has been used to justify unilateral actions by some states and the absence of an acceptable definition of terrorism further exacerbates the situation.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The success of an alternative global agenda requires a the existence of a progressive global movement, involving the empowerment of the people of Africa and other developing countries so that they are able to determine their own destiny.
- International peace and security is a goal towards which all nations should strive so that:
- Justice and international law regulates the behaviour and relations between states,
- A just and equitable world order is created,
- Process of globalisation is utilized to eradicate poverty.
- Globalization should be understood as comprising both negative and positive features,
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To re-affirm the correctness of the 1997 ANC’s conference resolution that the liberation of SA is both a local expression of a changing world and part of the catalyst to renewed efforts aimed at attaining international consensus on the most urgent questions facing humanity.
To develop a comprehensive strategy for South-to-South cooperation and in particular to encourage South-South cooperation through the creation of the G7 of the South. Identify countries in the South with sufficient strength to lead and initiate development and cooperation among countries in the South.
To lobby for the designation of an institutional mechanism for monitoring the WSSD outcomes within the UN framework.
To call for the democratisation of the international institutions (i.e., World Bank, IMF, UN Security Council) to serve the interests of the developing countries and ensure that the UN itself becomes a credible institutions within which to address all world political problems, in particular.
Conduct an audit and analysis of the character and programme of the emerging global social movement so that the ANC can play a pivotal role in the strengthening of the progressive global social movement.
- To ensure that ANC branches increase their understanding of the process of globalisation and how this impacts on the programme of NDR. ON THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
Noting That:
The stance of aggressive unilateralism adopted by some Western countries in fighting the threat of terrorism.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
We oppose all forms of terrorism, including State terrorism, and recognise that the solution to deal with it lies with multilateral bodies and should be conducted under the aegis of the UN.
In fighting terrorism should also deal with all its root causes.
Increased international insecurity and tensions pose a grave danger of global conflagration in which poor, as always, will be the main losers.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
We need an International definition of terrorism, which includes state terrorism and those countries that orchestrate, finance and promote terrorism and terrorist groups that destabilise other countries.
We must campaign for multi-lateral and a comprehensive programme to combat terrorism that also address the root causes of terrorism.
- The ANC condemns all forms of terrorism.
ON UNILATERALISM
Noting:
The entrenchment of a unipolar world has emboldened the US administration to adopt unilateralism as a key feature of its foreign policy.
This is a dangerous trend that is set to reverse gains made on a number of issues on the multilateral level.
This unilateralism is used by the incumbent US administration to impose its will on the international community.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To oppose the doctrine of ‘regime change’ and urge the US administration to stop this dangerous approach and return to work within the UN and other multilateral forums.
ON INTERNATIONAL NON-SEXISM AND GENDER EQUALITY
NOTING:
That women on the African continent and the world over still are confronted with discrimination and oppression.
The rise of the rightwing ideologies and religious fundamentalism threatens to reverse the gains that women have achieved.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The right to gender equality is a fundamental human right.
All states and governments should adhere to international human rights conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women supersedes all secular and clerical laws.
THEREFORE RESOLVE:
That the ANC condemns all violations of human rights, including the imposition of cruel and inhumane punishments under the guise of religious or traditional laws or practices.
To urge all states to take active measures to promote women’s human rights, in accordance with the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
To call for the eradication of all cultural and religious practices injurious to women’s well being and contrary to international human rights norms.
Urge the African Union and other regional bodies to develop effective programmes for the advancement of women on the continent.
TRANSFORMATION OF MULTILATERAL INSTITUTIONS
Noting That
Most multilateral institutions do not serve the interests of the poor.
- The UN is often obstructed and limited in its capacity to resolve international conflicts because of the lack of political will on the part of its members, in particular the permanent members of the Security Council.
AND BELIEVING THAT
The Breton Woods institutions perpetuate dominance of the world economy by the rich countries.
- The UN Security Council’s composition and veto system benefit the interests of permanent member states.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
We campaign to have the mandate of the World Bank, IMF be redefined to focus on fighting poverty and assist in building the economies of developing countries
We campaign to make World Bank, IMF and WTO more accountable, transparent and responsible.
We take initiatives to reform, restructure and democratise the United Nations.
TWINNING OF CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES AND PROVINCES
Noting:
That the ANC as a ruling party should have a clear policy on twinning agreements.
That the new municipal landscape of South Africa creates an environment conducive for the transformation and fortification of local government.
The need to expose the provincial government and its municipalities to the international environment, where they can twin with their counterparts.
That there is process put in place by government on an International Co-operation Framework Policy to guide provincial stakeholders as they engage internationally.
The importance of twinning in developmental areas such as capacity building, service delivery and infrastructure development
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
We develop a clear policy on twinning agreements and address the coordination of visits and signing of twinning agreements;
Government finalise the International Co-operation Framework Policy to guide proper coordination and monitoring between all spheres of government needs to be established and serviced.
- The twinning agreements should include cities of Africa and the South.
International Solidarity Noting That
There are a number of crises, some of an intra-national nature and others imposed on countries by external forces.
The right of Palestinians to self-determination, recognized in numerous Resolutions of the United Nations, is constantly subverted including by the wanton genocidal activities of the Israeli government.
The decades-long economic blockade against Cuba continues even today.
The struggle for the democratisation of Swaziland is legitimate and in accordance with the principles of AU on the promotion of democratic institutions, popular participation and good governance,
The impertinence of the USA to unleash war against the people of Iraq and to remove its President and government is in fundamental breach of International Law and the UN Charter.
Progress is being made to resolve the civil strife ensuing in Sri Lanka.
The struggles of oppressed peoples in the South continue
- Right-wing governments are on the rise internationally.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Conflicts should be resolved through multilateralism, rather than by unilateral action.
The people of Palestine, like the Israelis, have the right to self-determination and a national territory within secure and defined borders
- The US economic blockade against Cuba violates the right to peaceful development of the people of Cuba and that Cuba has the right to defend itself.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC continues to support the struggle of the Palestinian people for self -determination and the creation of a Palestinian state,
The ANC reaffirms its solidarity with Cuba and continues to campaign for the lifting of the US embargo, and the release of five Cuban nationals convicted of espionage.
The ANC shall endeavour to promote dialogue amongst all the stakeholders in Swaziland to promote the process of democratisation.
The ANC shall continue to oppose any unilateral military and other action while requiring that Iraq complies with United Nations Security Council decisions.
The peace process in Sri Lanka should be supported.
The ANC reaffirms its solidarity with progressive forces in Burma in the struggle for peace and democracy against the military regime.
- The NEC will have to assess from time to time whether to support and pledge solidarity with progressive forces in their struggles for peace, democracy and justice.
ON PALESTINE
Noting That:
The continued illegal occupation of Palestine and the use of state terrorism by Israel constitutes a threat to international peace and security,
The peace process has virtually collapsed.
The African Union, Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations are exerting maximum effort to address the Middle East conflict, despite heavy odds.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
The ANC and the Leagues should continue to lead the campaign of solidarity with the Palestinian people,
- We reaffirm the 50th Congress resolutions on Palestine as well as the resolution taken at the Alliance Ekurhuleni Summit.
ON WESTERN SAHARA
Noting:
Our historic support for the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination, and our fraternal relations with Polisario Front.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To urge the South African government to take special initiatives to advance the process to reach an early settlement.
BUILDING RELATIONS ON THE CONTINENT, SOUTH-TO-SOUTH CO-OPERATION, AND NORTH TO SOUTH DIALOGUE
Noting That
One of the cornerstones of South Africa’s foreign policy is putting African interests at the heart of our international relations programme.
Our national liberation struggle has always been underpinned by international solidarity with the African people in particular and the oppressed in general.
The vision of African Renaissance which is to promote peace and security; ending wars and conflict in the continent, instilling good economic and political governance, fight social challenges facing Africa and defending progressive indigenous African cultures.
REAFFIRMS
The ANC’s policy of taking a lead in the rebirth of the African continent. 1. Our international solidarity campaigns with progressive forces in both developing and developed countries.
Our continued support to other nations that are still struggling against both national oppression and colonialism.
The AU as an appropriate structure to drive the rebirth of Africa and NEPAD as a programme of action to achieve the renaissance.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
The ANC continues its efforts to promote a meaningful dialogue between the two major parties in Zimbabwe in pursuance of a just resolution in the interests of peace and stability.
The ANC reaffirms its support of the struggle of the Saharawi people for self determination.
The ANC supports the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Angola, the DRC, Comoros Island, Sierra Leone and Sudan and the creation of democratic governments.
Africa’s capacity to provide food security to its people and to produce goods for trade on the continent that can compete on the global market must be reinforced.
The ANC must inspire and consolidate its relations with international Non-Governmental Organizations that are committed to social and economic justice in the South.
- The ANC must lead an all-round popular movement for the implementation of all programmes geared to develop the African continent.
ON RIGHTWING RESURGENCE AND THE RISE OF FUNDAMENTALIST IDEOLOGIES
Noting That:
The greatest challenges to World Peace are located in Middle East and South Asia.
Externally imposed neo-liberal economic policies on developing countries undermine national sovereignty,
There has been a rise of extreme right political parties in a number of countries in Western Europe
BELIEVING THAT
Intertwined with world sustainable economic growth is the centrality of global peace.
- People-sensitive economic policies have to prevail over those that enrich a few individuals and countries.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT
We vigorously participate in the struggle for world peace and establish a peace movement as part of our international solidarity work.
We engage with globalisation to harness its positive elements while also engaging with the anti-globalisation movement in order to lend it coherence.
Sustainable economic growth that resolves poverty should be prioritised in policy frameworks of all countries in keeping with the WSSD Johannesburg Declaration and Programme of Action
The ANC condemns the upsurge of Xenophobia, Islamophobia and racism among the countries of the West and calls on all governments and parliaments to ensure the implementation of the resolutions of the World Conference Against Racism.
STRENGTHENING THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Noting:
Progress made in the transformation of the department of foreign affairs.
That a transformed department is central in the realization of our new foreign policy environment.
Efforts made to change our missions abroad to reflect the demographics of South Africa.
REAFFIRMING:
Our commitment to transform the Department of Foreign Affairs to reflect the new ethos of our democracy.
The strategic importance of the department in marketing South Africa abroad with other government agencies.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
There must be a continuing effort to build capacity and radically transform the department of foreign affairs to reflect South African democratic values.
Deployment of cadres within the department, particularly women cadres, must be embarked upon urgently.
All attempts should be made to reflect a national spread in foreign postings.
- Our foreign missions should assist with ensuring that the human rights of South African citizens abroad are not violated.
BUILDING THE WORLD PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT.
Noting:
The absence of a co-coordinated progressive movement in Africa and the world.
The absence of coordination amongst progressive African movements.
The negative role played by international bodies such as the ICFTU in international politics. AND BELIEVING THAT The establishment of a progressive movement in Africa will strengthen the implementation of programmes and institutions of the AU and NEPAD.
THEREFORE RESOLVE THAT:
We accelerate the efforts to work with all progressive forces (political parties and civil society) as part of building a broad progressive movement for transformation.
We assist in the mobilization of African intellectuals working abroad to return to the continent to help build and reconstruct Africa.
The South African government be encouraged to strengthen Non Aligned Movement, making it a force for peace and development.
We must assist in the restructuring of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) to meet the challenges that face the continent by supporting the AU and NEPAD.
Coordinate with COSATU in its activities within the ICFTU to transform it to play a progressive role on the continent and in the world.
STRENGTHENING PARTY-TO-PARTY RELATIONS
Noting:
The ANCs 50th National Conference resolutions on this matter;
Our party-to-party relations have tended to operate in a reactive manner rather than proactively.
- Recent efforts of the ANC to engage former liberation movements in Southern Africa.
AND REAFFIRMING:
The correctness of party-to-party relations in mediating and circumventing state-to-state relations that are subject to bureaucratic procedures.
THEREFORE RESOLVE:
That the ANC must strengthen Party-to-Party relations at a programmatic and strategic level with former liberation organisations and the progressive movement in general.
To continue to engage with former liberation movements to strengthen democratic and progressive policies practices.
STRENTHENING THE ANC INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE RESOLVES TO:
Strengthen the ANC’s department of international affairs.
Speed up the process of building the full capacity of the ANC’s Department of International Affairs and ensure that provinces, regions and branches establish proper structures to engage in international work.
- To establish a Cadre Development School that will, among other areas, cover International Relations to produce cadres schooled in International Relations and Solidarity work.
SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL
Noting That
The Socialist International has provided a platform for the ANC to forge links with other progressive parties in the world
AND BELIEVING THAT:
1. The long-standing relations that the ANC enjoyed with other progressive parties need to be strengthened,
2. The challenges facing the continent require the ANC to mobilize like-minded parties to join the Socialist International.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
We should continue forging strong cooperation with liberation movements and progressive parties on the African continent.
We should continue to cooperate with other parties so as to influence the global agenda.
We should strive to transform the Socialist International into a vibrant, active movement for progressive change,
We should strengthen our relations with the Africa chapter of the Socialist International.
ON THE WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Noting That:
The ANC reaffirms its commitment to the principles of sustainable development,
Agenda 21 served to encourage and inspire our own democratic movement in South Africa to draft the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Many of ANC policies and programmes that we have put in place since 1994 are directly inspired by the outcomes of the Rio Earth summit.
We welcome any discussions on global finance and the economy.
Global inequalities and patterns of poverty, perpetuated by unsustainable economic practices, are reflected in South Africa and the entire continent.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The WSSD in Johannesburg provided a unique opportunity for governments, UN bodies, business, civil society and the Development Finance institutions to agree on the mechanisms and resources required to meet sustainable development targets at global, regional, national and local level.
- Eradicating poverty is the greatest global challenge facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development, particularly for developing countries.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To welcome the adoption of the Johannesburg WSSD Plan of Implementation as a minimum programme to achieve sustainable development
To fully support the decision by the UN Millennium Summit in 2000 including the goals of halving world poverty by the year 2015.
Welcome the World Trade Organisation’s Doha decisions calling for a development round of negotiations, which will address key concerns and capacity constraints of developing countries and give better access to the markets of the rich North, for the producers from the South.
To actively campaign internationally to ensure that the principles adopted in the WSSD Johannesburg Implementation Plan and the Doha Declaration translate into concrete measures that will benefit developing countries and reduce inequality in the global system.
ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION POLICY FRAMEWORK
The ANC’s 50th National Conference in Mafikeng in 1997 passed a comprehensive resolution on economic transformation, which was subsequently endorsed by the National General Council in Port Elizabeth in 2000. This 51st National Conference reaffirms the economics resolution taken at Mafikeng and proposes additions and refinements in various areas.
The ANC’s vision has always been one of a prosperous, equitable, stable and democratic society. In the economy, our vision has been one of decent work and living standards for all, in the context of qualitatively improved equity in ownership, management skills and access to opportunities.
- Achieving this vision requires:
- Substantial growth in small and micro enterprise, based in large part on land reform as well as improved access to finance, infrastructure and marketing;
- The diversification of the economy to enhance local value added both to meet the basic needs of all our people and to increase export revenues;
- Integration into the global economy in ways that create jobs and provide opportunities especially for black people, women and the poor;
- Development of the full productive potential of our economy
- Broad-based skills development; and
- Macro-economic stability at a level that supports economic growth and development.
It is imperative that we mobilise the ANC’s core constituencies – the poor, workers, women, youth and black business – around our economic strategies.
When the ANC took power, we inherited an economy shaped by colonial dispossession, and apartheid which resulted in huge inequalities and increasing poverty, rising unemployment and unsustainable government debt.
- Despite this legacy, the ANC-led government has made great achievements. We have ensured:
- High levels of confidence, certainty and stability
- Lower government debt and inflation
- Substantial growth in exports of manufactured goods, especially in the auto industry and minerals other than gold, as well as generally rising productivity and improved skills
- A sharper regional and continental focus
- Increased empowerment opportunities for black people, women and the poor
- Labour-market reforms that have greatly improved labour relations
- Great challenges remain, however, key among these are:
- High unemployment, with continuing job losses in the formal sector and rising joblessness especially among the youth
- Low growth, low savings and low levels of investment
- Continued mass poverty and deep inequalities based on class, race, gender and region
- To continue to mobilise support for our economic policies and strategies and seek to reach consensus on these within the Alliance and society in general.
- In response to this situation, the ANC has set the following objectives:
- Faster, employment-creating growth based on higher and better structured investment
- More equitable ownership of productive assets as well as access to skills and infrastructure in order to empower Africans in particular, black people in general, women, youth and the poor.
- A substantial expansion in employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.
- Programmes to meet basic needs and alleviate poverty in ways that as far as possible expand domestic demand and increase productive employment
- Well-managed integration within regional and world markets
- To achieve these objectives the ANC will utilise the following strategies:
- Maintenance of macro-economic stability
- Comprehensive and integrated micro-economic reforms in key sectors supported by skills development, to increase productivity, meet basic needs and create employment
- Support for small and micro enterprise, including through land reform and provision of basic infrastructure
- Support for the income-generating activities, including through improved income transfers and services to alleviate poverty, in ways that will improve family incomes and livelihoods
- Strong efforts to mobilise private capital around new productive projects and infrastructure
- Raising the level and efficiency of Public Sector investment
- Mobilising key stakeholders behind the concept of sustainable development through initiatives like the Growth and Development Summit
- Implementation of a comprehensive strategy for food security
- Pay increased attention to the conservation, storage, development and use of water to ensure maximum economic, social and environmental benefits for our people
- Continually assess our labour and safety legislation and monitor its implementation to ensure improvement in the working conditions of especially vulnerable sectors.
- Support for the Proudly South African campaign.
We assume a collective responsibility to advance and strengthen the interdependent and mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable development – economic growth, social development and environmental protection – at local, national, regional and global levels.
We recognise that macroeconomic stability has been achieved through policies implemented to date, allowing us to engage in proper sequencing and towards relatively more expansionary policies.
We recognise that our strategies can only succeed if we mobilise our members, allies and the masses in general around them. This requires a well-defined strategy of education and discussion within the ANC, as well as on-going policy engagement within the Alliance, the broader civil society and NEDLAC. In this regard Conference notes and re-affirms the Ekurhuleni Declaration on management of intra alliance relations and the NGC resolution on the inclusion of economic literacy in our political education.
- We will measure progress in terms of:
- The growth rate
- Reduction in unemployment
- Increase in real GDP per capita
- The Human Development Index
- The Poverty Gap index
- Indices of macro-economic stability
- The context for the above measurements will take into consideration the extent of environmental degradation and depletion, changing ownership patterns and the establishment of specific indicators for key development outcomes. Indicative examples are included as an appendix.
Unemployment & Under-Employment Noting
That high unemployment rates have underpinned continued poverty and aggravated social problems
The high proportion of low quality, employment in our society
The many people in the informal sector, many of whom are under-employed.
That the unemployment crisis has affected young people, women and rural people most acutely.
The need to encourage our people to engage in sustainable self-initiated income earning opportunities
That many of our people resort to a mix of strategies for improving household income that combine income transfers from family members and state pensions with subsistence farming, hawking and provision of services on a very low level.
THEREFORE RESOLVES TO:
Ensure that government at all levels implements a comprehensive and integrated employment strategy combining short-term measures aimed at providing a degree of immediate relief with longer term interventions aimed at sustainable job creation and alternative income earning opportunities;
Support the phased implementation of a comprehensive social security system, which will be implemented alongside job creation initiatives
Support a major extension of community based public works programmes to create employment, support the informal sector, develop skills and expand social infrastructure, public housing and critical services to poor communities.
Mobilise through our branches a comprehensive action-oriented campaign involving all people aimed at eradicating poverty and creating employment.
Engage with the private sector to articulate how they will act to eradicate poverty and create employment.
Ensure that Government establishes a mechanism to report on efforts it has made to facilitate employment creation.
Ensure that Government extends supply-side measures to relatively labour-intensive sectors and activities (including services and construction) that produce wage goods and improve incomes for the poor. In particular, these should target food production and processing, the development of producer and consumer co-operatives, and the upgrading of household income-generating enterprises.
Support the convening of sector summits and regional forums, which can identify where sustainable job creation is possible.
Ensure that provincial, national and local procurement policies increase demand for quality local products.
Support technological innovation through private-public partnerships that ensure production of South African goods and services in line with the Proudly South African campaign.
Ensure the effective deployment of state and parastatal resources in support of the integrated rural development programme and local economic development and to use these capacities to ensure access to training of the unemployed and underemployed.
- Ensure that the informal sector is developed through interventions that formalize employment, including through creating an enabling environment for cooperatives, through training, spatial planning initiatives, micro-financing, etc.
BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Noting That:
Despite our efforts, South African society remains characterised by vast racial and gender inequalities in the distribution of and access to productive assets, wealth, income, skills and employment.
Little progress has been made in achieving greater operational participation and control in the economy by black people, and we have instead seen the rise in so-called ‘fronting’
This limited participation of black people in the economy limits our ability to expand the productive base, sustain economic development, eradicate poverty and contribute to a better life for all.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) is a moral, political, social and economic requirement of this country’s collective future. BEE is defined in its broadest sense as an integrated and coherent socio-economic process located in the context of the RDP. Its benefits must be shared across society, and impact as widely as possible.
That the indicators for success are overall equity in incomes, wealth, increasing levels of black participation – including black women and youth – in the ownership, the extent to which there is operational participation and control of the economy and the extent to which there has been transfer and possession of skills and a retention of assets by the BEE beneficiaries.
To ensure that BEE is broad based, supportive of collective ownership programmes by working people and communities, in the form of collective enterprises and cooperatives, supportive of the creation of an entrepreneurial class, the accumulation of assets by the poor and with a focus on the development of rural economies.
That the ANC will mobilise its membership to mobilise communities in general, and targeted groups in particular – women, institutions working with children, people with disabilities, youth and the elderly – to take up the BEE opportunities and to participate in the debate.
That an essential component of BEE is the involvement of black business people, especially women, in the ownership, control and management of productive capital in all sectors of the economy as well as skilled occupations. In pursuing this objective the ANC will work with the emergent black capitalist class to ensure joint commitment and practical action to attain increased investment, job creation, employment equity and poverty alleviation.
That the government must intensify its support for small, medium and micro enterprises as a critical component of BEE and ensure that such support reaches them
That the ANC at all levels must continuously monitor progress in empowering black people, especially black women, youth, children, the elderly and people living with disabilities and ensure government arrives at quantitative targets in order to measure BEE.
That the ANC supports the establishment of a BEE Advisory Council representing all major stakeholders to champion BEE.
To promote the design and implementation of broad based sector or industry empowerment programmes with clearly defined targets, based on agreements between stakeholders
To enhance the effective use of government’s instruments such as licensing, procurement, state asset restructuring and provision of finance, to target BEE.
To ensure government designs an enabling regulatory framework including operational guidelines to promote certainty in the implementation and regulation of BEE.
To ensure that Municipal Integrated Development Plans factor in BEE at community levels and ensure that local government communicates opportunities for BEE.
RESTRUCTURING OF STATE-OWNED ASSETS AND ENTERPRISES
Noting That:
The portfolio of state assets contains entities and agencies that operate in various ways in our country and play a fundamental and strategic role in the ongoing development of our country and our continent.
That these state-owned assets and enterprises operate in all spheres of government, including national, provincial, and local government structures.
Significant progress has been made since 1994 to align state enterprises and agencies with the priorities of our development agenda. However, inefficiencies continue to hamper the optimal operation of those assets and hence the quality of the service they provide to our people and the economy as a whole.
Restructuring of state-owned enterprises can have an impact on [1] the quality, accessibility and affordability of services provided to communities, particularly the poor; [2] the efficient operation of strategic sectors of our economy; or [3] employment and human resource development.
A fundamental aim of restructuring is to ensure that State Owned Enterprises (SOE’s) more effectively and efficiently carry out their developmental mandates, including our regional and NEPAD programmes.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To reaffirm ANC Policy on restructuring, particularly the role of SOE’s in economic transformation, democratisation and deracialisation of our economy, which ensures that the transfer of assets to the private sector strengthens our developmental agenda.
To extend the National Framework Agreement to provincial and local government levels.
To ensure that in the process of restructuring emphasis must continue to be given to job retention and job creation and a social plan, as well as training,
To further ensure that practical and adequate safety nets are established for those workers who cannot secure continued employment or training. Such safety nets must at the very least include effective re-training, counselling, and assistance for alternative employment.
That the mandates of state-owned assets and enterprises must be revisited, evaluated and monitored more closely to ensure that their social and economic mandates (including such issues as procurement, equity and transformation) remain aligned to our development agenda.
To ensure that both the ANC and Government communicate effectively with the broader public about the aims, objectives, and benefits of restructuring as these unfold.
BUILDING A CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT
Noting That:
A co-operative movement would support more equitable growth and ownership in our economy and empower our people, while providing important services more affordably and efficiently to poor households.
The current legislative framework for co-operatives does not encourage the formation of small-scale producer co-operatives, co-operative financial institutions or consumer co-operatives.
Our people do not have enough understanding or information about the aims, developmental potential and functioning of co-operatives.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the ANC and it’s allies support the mobilisation of a social movement to initiate the development of cooperatives as an instrument of economic growth and development
To ensure that Government urgently establishes at all levels appropriate enabling legislation, an appropriate institutional framework and resources for producer, consumer, services and credit co-operatives.
To ensure that the Departments of Housing, Trade and Industry, Finance and Agriculture and Land in particular, must develop programmes that support co-operatives and educate the public about them.
That the national Department of Education, through interactions with other departments, educational institutions, including SETAs and organisations working in the cooperative sector, should ensure sustainable training programmes on cooperative and that life-skills training in the schools includes some study of co-operatives, as part of broader training on entrepreneurship.
LABOUR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Noting That:
The democratic government and the Constitution have brought about a vast improvement in labour rights and dispute settlement systems. However, most farm, domestic and informal-sector workers remain highly vulnerable and unable to exercise their rights in full.
Most companies have introduced weak and inadequate employment equity plans, if any.
AND BELIEVING THAT
Improved skills development, based on a sound general education system, is critical for economic equity, empowerment and growth.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the ANC will campaign to ensure that all companies register with the relevant SETA and complete a workplace skills plan, and that all companies develop meaningful employment equity plans, starting with three key sectors Finance Information Communications and Technology (ICT) and Mining.
To ensure that all government departments and public entities continue to actively contribute towards the success of the overall HRD Strategy and the National Skills Development Strategy.
That, in this regard, particular attention will have to be paid towards ensuring that the National Skills Authority develop effective mechanisms to disseminate information to and communicate with targeted constituencies about their programmes, and ensure further that they effectively expand their programmes to reach those that are out of school, out of work and inadequately skilled.
To support the principle that the Education Department ensure our youth have access to quality mathematics, science, computer and cultural studies they need to participate in the economy.
That the ANC must ensure that a policy framework for access to training by the unemployed is developed.
To ensure that research is conducted to continually assess the impact of HIV/AIDS in the economy in order to strengthen appropriate measures designed to counteract such impact.
That a policy framework must be developed to encourage the private sector to accommodate learnerships so that opportunities are provided for people to acquire skills and experience in order to gain or create employment opportunities.
To strengthen and expand public employment services for job matching activities such as counselling, the provision of labour market and training information and job assistance.
FISCAL POLICY
Noting That:
The democratic government has enjoyed great success in improving fiscal management and reducing government deficits and tax rates leading to lower interest cost for government. While this led to some declines in spending in the late 1990s, the strategy now permits a substantial improvement in government spending on developmental needs.
- That the most impoverished rural areas, located in the former homelands, still lag behind in terms of most government services and infrastructure, while local governments in these regions face serious shortfalls in resourcing.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That fiscal policy must support growth, employment creation and development by ensuring that government expenditure continues to grow in a robust but sustainable fashion. Like all policies, it must be subject to regular review in terms of its impact on our overall objectives.
To ensure that government departments and local municipalities do more to redirect and coordinate spending towards historically underserved communities.
To ensure that government at all levels must ensure that special funds, such as poverty relief funds, are actually disbursed and spent effectively and efficiently.
To ensure that the capacity of government at all levels to spend effectively is increased.
To ensure that Provinces develop coherent packages to improve spending on government services in the most impoverished areas and, with the National Treasury, enhance support for local governments in these areas.
COMBATING INFLATION
Noting That:
The ANC is concerned about periodic increases in inflation which places a heavy burden on the economy and the poor.
These inflation changes could be the result of oil price increases, market inefficiency, currency movements, administered prices, local rates and taxes, input cost escalation, food price increases and other factors.
Policy to combat inflation has various instruments.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That monetary policy must be used in a flexible manner, consistent with the broad aims and objectives of the ANC economic policy, including job creation, investment and poverty eradication.
That monetary policy must continue to be directed to the achievement and maintenance of macro-economic stability, in the interest of sustainable economic growth.
To maintain our approach on inflation targeting while ensuring that such targets are consistent with our economic objectives, and that all role players in the economy play their role in pursuing low inflation.
- To strive to achieve broad consensus on inflation targets.
THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM
Noting That:
The current global trading system remains uneven, inequitable and subject to instability. Among other things, developed countries retain unfair trade advantages including subsidies and protective trade barriers. These practices have a negative impact on developing countries.
Current multilateral negotiations seek to remedy some of these imbalances, but may also present further challenges, such as further pressure to reduce domestic tariffs and increased burdens of compliance for developing countries.
In the last few years South Africa has seen a substantial improvement in exports, especially in higher value-added manufactured goods.
Rapidly changing and unsustainable patterns of consumption in the developed world are impacting upon production patterns and market access options for developing countries
THEREFORE RESOLVES TO:
Ensure that government take steps to reduce the negative impact of speculative activity in capital and currency markets, including international regulations and options such as taxation of speculative capital movements.
Support government’s continuing work for changes at the WTO, IMF and World Bank, and thus mandate government to prioritise efforts to fight poverty and to build the economies of developing countries, to work to make multi-lateral institutions more accountable to the peoples of the South; to work to strengthen the UN and its specialised economic agencies and promote greater coherence between the different multilateral agencies.
Support government in it’s effort to resist the use of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) negotiations to push privatisation of core public services on a global scale;
Support government in it’s efforts to work for modifications in Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) so as to address the issue of global public goods, affordable medicines and the sharing of the benefits of bio-diversity development.
Ensure that government’s trade negotiations are guided by our economic vision, and that international and regional agreements strengthen the productive capacity of the economy of South Africa and those of the Southern African regions as a whole.
NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT
Noting That:
Africa faces the challenge of poverty eradication and sustainable economic development
The strategy is to reverse the poverty situation by changing the relationship that underpins it; by ensuring that dependency is not entrenched through aid and drawing on the rich potential of existing African resources.
South Africa is an integral part of the African continent
The New Partnership for Africa ‘s Development (NEPAD) is a pledge by African leaders based on a common vision and a firm shared conviction to fulfil their duty to eradicate poverty and place their countries individually and collectively on a path of sustainable economic growth and development.
It is also a call for a new relationship of partnership within countries in Africa and between Africa and the international community to be founded on a realisation of common interests, benefits and equality.
THEREFORE RESOLVES TO:
Ensure that NEPAD is enriched through structured interaction with African civil society, which will in turn form the basis for mass mobilisation to support political, economic and social development.
Support the participation of government, business and civil society in the development and implementation of the economic programmes aimed at achieving growth while eliminating poverty, with an emphasis on investment, infrastructure, agriculture and regional integration.
Mobilise our membership and allies to join hands with progressive forces in African and the rest of the world in pursuit of the NEPAD objectives.
Affirm that the ANC stands behind the African leadership’s commitment to ensure economic integration in Africa through the promotion of regional and continental forums.
MINING
Noting That:
Mining was and remains a cornerstone of the South African economy and that historically mining companies did not invest in communities that contributed towards mining, leading to extreme poverty in areas that are associated with mining, and also resulting in ghost towns as mines are closed.
A few companies, which are increasingly based outside of South Africa, continue to dominate South African mining.
The mines have a poor safety record and rely on migrant labour, which leads to unacceptable living conditions for miners and accelerates the spread of HIV and TB, asbestosis, chronic and non-communicable diseases.
The gold industry has many productive decades ahead of it, but will continue to downsize. This situation has in part been offset by increased investments and exports of other mining related products such as platinum and steel.
Local beneficiation of our minerals remains inadequate, although there has been progress in this regard
The majority of our citizens were denied access to mineral resources and careers in the mining industry, which has resulted in extremely skewed ownership and staff demographics, with mining houses holding on to mineral rich state land through long term leases and mining licenses, limiting new entrants into the sector.
South Africa will always need mining, but diversification and increasing beneficiation is necessary in the light of the volatility of raw materials markets and the need to create employment on a mass scale
THEREFORE RESOLVE TO:
Develop a mass campaign to support the transformation of the mining industry both in South Africa and internationally, and to support legislation aimed at achieving transformation such as the Mineral and Petroleum Development Bill.
- Ensure that we urgently develop strategies to establish value matrices around mining in ways that enhance employment and equity, by amongst other things:
- Implementing strategies to overcome the obstacles to beneficiation, particularly non-competitive pricing
- Building on the strong technological base South Africa has in mining to support exports of capital goods and technological advances in other industries.
- Implementing the mining charter to facilitate meaningful and sustainable equity participation by black people in general, and women in particular, in existing and new mining operations underpinned by broad-based socio-economic empowerment.
- Continuing to pursue people-centred mining, which broadly encompasses accepted sustainable development principles.
- Mobilising for the transformation of employment patterns and recruitment processes in ways that benefit mineworkers and their families in South and Southern Africa.
Manage the downsizing of gold and diamond mining by requiring that mining companies provide clear plans, which take into account the lifespan of mines and the need for sustainable local development.
Support the development of safety standards and access to training for small-scale miners.
Explore the establishment of a vehicle to support mineral exploration by previously disadvantaged groups, especially rural communities, given the importance of sustaining the industry and bringing in new entrants through new legislation envisaged.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Noting That:
Landlessness is a growing problem aggravated by the challenges of poverty and unemployment.
Agricultural production plays a critical role in economic and social development.
There is a need for comprehensive policy on agricultural land management.
Many farm workers, tenants and other dwellers continue to live under highly inhuman and oppressive conditions.
Volatility of food prices aggravates the vulnerabilities of the poor.
THEREFORE RESOLVES TO:
Work with other formations to lead a popular campaign for rural development, including the formation and development of co-operatives, farmers and rural enterprises’ associations.
Ensure that the implementation of the Land Reform and Agricultural Development Programme is accelerated and includes a comprehensive support package for farmers, farm workers, and dwellers, rural entrepreneurs and co-operatives.
Extend government services to all farm dwellers.
Expedite the re-evaluation of the Labour Tenants Act and the Extension of Security of Tenure Act in order to ensure more effective protection of the rights and means of farm workers and dwellers.
Develop a comprehensive agricultural land management policy that deals with productive use of under-utilised agricultural land, including commonages at local level and sustainable agricultural land use.
- Ensure that agricultural and other policies have a positive impact on household food security, food prices and environmental sustainability.
FISHING AND MARICULTURE
Noting That:
Whilst good progress has been made with respect to restructuring the fishing industry in the context of sustainability, there still remains a challenge of further transformation to address historical inequalities.
The allocation of rights should maintain the role of the state as the custodian of the resource.
Poverty and unemployment remain amongst the major challenges in fishing communities.
THEREFORE RESOLVE TO:
Support the full implementation of the new fishing policy, and to regularly review the impact of policies and programmes on employment, regular incomes of fishing communities in the context of seasonal nature of this industry, beneficiation and BEE. All this must take into account the strategic objectives of the Marine Living Resources Act.
- Continually monitor the regional (and provincial) allocation of fishing quotas, in the context of the empowerment of fishing communities, and facilitate access of these communities to training, finance and general capacity to take advantage of fishing quotas.
TOURISM
Noting That:
Tourism remains a key growth sector for the economy and contributes significantly to development and job creation.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the government should continue to implement programmes which promote investment in tourism.
That support mechanisms should be designed, in partnership with stakeholders, to ensure that communities benefit from tourism activities and to enhance BEE and SMME development outcomes.
To mobilise communities to participate in the community-based business opportunities that underpin the tourism strategy.
MANUFACTURING
Noting That:
South Africa has a relatively strong base for manufacturing production, with sound infrastructure and an experienced labour force, and has successfully avoided the real threat of de-industrialisation.
Weaknesses remain in our manufacturing sector, including continued dependence on imported inputs and the failure to develop more complete value matrices based on local mining, agriculture and petroleum refining; skills shortages; concentration of ownership and a weak SMME sector; and in consequence stagnation in employment.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Manufacturing can grow by expanding production of goods for domestic use and export, and by extending the technological base that developed to serve the mines, agriculture, energy, transport and telecommunications.
In the long run manufacturing requires a well-established knowledge base, embodied in improved research and development, the diffusion of innovation, the use of ICT in procurement, marketing and design, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.
There is a shift in the technological base of the economy towards labour-displacing technologies in the form of microelectronics.
Traditional boundaries between manufacturing and other sectors (such as primary products and services) are becoming less significant, requiring strategies that promote dynamic linkages cutting across traditional sectoral divides.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To support the thrust of government’s Integrated Manufacturing Strategy as a programme to promote collective action within integrated value matrices and ensure that manufacturing, in dynamic linkage with other sectors, contributes directly and indirectly to employment creation, greater equity and small enterprise development.
That employment growth, the extension of income earning opportunities and equity must be key objectives of the Integrated Manufacturing Strategy.
That government should support the development of mechanisms to promote a transition from dialogue to collective action by stakeholders in order to ensure growth in output and employment in the context of increasingly integrated value matrices. Sector summits are an important way to begin this process.
Relevant parastatals must play a stronger role in facilitating easier access to capital in support of BEE and the promotion of SMMEs.
That government should support agro-industry as a mechanism to support rural economic development.
TRANSPORT
Noting That:
Apartheid settlement patterns and the location of major industrial centres far from the coast make road and rail transport particularly critical for South Africa and for southern Africa.
Huge backlogs remain in road maintenance and investment, many rural residents cannot afford the new toll roads, and rail services for commuters and rural people, as well as most urban bus systems, have deteriorated.
Most South African urban areas do not support non-motorised transport adequately.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
In light of the distortions in settlement patterns inherited from apartheid, government must ensure affordable transport for commuters and migrant workers.
Government must also ensure efficient and affordable transport to serve production and communities in the interior of the country, and to support regional integration.
There should be a shift to infilling within metropolitan areas rather than extending costly urban sprawl.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To ensure that our growth and development strategies are underpinned by integrated and coherent logistical networks, using amongst other things, state-owned transport assets to achieve such integration.
To develop a rural transport network, including rail and roads, in ways that ensure social integration, reduce the cost of transporting foods and other goods, and support rural economic activity. We recognise that this may require a cross-subsidy from more profitable lines.
That government must initiate an urgent review of housing, industrial, agricultural and tourism policy to ensure they are supported by affordable transport systems. Greenfield developments must be subjected to greater control, and upgrading of city centres must be made a priority, with increased funding.
That public transport, especially municipal bus systems, and non-motorised transport must be supported vigorously.
That government must convene a Transport Summit with a view to improve national transport strategies and mobilise stakeholders around them.
That the rail network is an important component of our economic infrastructure and it must be maintained and upgraded.
To call for the acceleration and intensification of efforts to take forward a taxi recapitalisation strategy.
That the public transport system must be safe, affordable for commuters and accessible to people with disabilities.
- That in all of the above, negative environmental impacts must be minimised. In particular, cleaner technologies in the transport sector must be implemented.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
NOTING:
The increasing role of innovation-led growth in successful modern economies;
The threat posed by inadequate investment in the drivers of innovation, in particular research and development, thereby risking the loss of key knowledge upon which our strategic industries are anchored;
The declining investment by the South African business sector in research and development;
The key role of the State in developing a national platform for research and development;
The recent drafting by Government of a National Research and Development Strategy.
That our resource based industries (e.g. mining and agriculture) need to be strengthened by linkages to excellent local research, technology diffusion and extension.
THEREFORE RESOLVES TO:
Commit to a long-term research and development strategy, which:
- Addresses the historical distortions in our human resources in science and technology;
- Commits to support innovation in the context of economic growth and social development through appropriate incentives and encourage long term strategic research and development;
- Aligns governance structures for state-owned institutions with a strong technology mandate with such an integrated strategy.
- In the light of micro-electronic technology, to explore the prospect of small-scale digital manufacturing which can be easily accessed by small and medium sized enterprises.
ENERGY
Noting That:
Many households still lack electricity, while some of those who are linked up to the grid have been cut off for failure to meet payments.
South Africa still produces some of the world’s cheapest energy, which is a pillar of our economy, but expensive new investments will be necessary in around ten years.
The inefficient use of coal is a major source of pollution, especially in our townships, while generally South Africa does not make sufficient use of its abundant solar and wind resources.
- There are obstacles with the implementation of our commitment free basic service on electricity.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Affordable energy for households is critical for development, since it supports micro enterprises, improves conditions for women and children, and increases domestic demand for appliances
The ANC’s commitment to free basic services, without a means test, should be implemented as soon as possible
Communities, labour and business need a higher degree of certainty about the impact of restructuring on electricity prices
Restructuring measures must not jeopardise the cross-subsidy of poor households by formal business and richer communities
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the process of rationalising electricity distribution should continue, ensuring viable and affordable electricity supply for all regions as well as the progressive achievement of universal and affordable access, on the foundation of a minimum free basic electricity service to all households.
That all proposals for restructuring energy generation and distribution should be analysed objectively to assess their likely impact on employment, the cost of investment in new capacity, electricity for households and formal business, and the environment.
To support the introduction of cleaner technologies for burning coal as well as alternative energy sources. Research into renewable energy technologies must be conducted and must include potential for local ownership and community participation.
To take concrete steps to combat pollution arising out of coal value chain activities by setting clean targets in the context of sustainable development without increasing cost to the poor.
To support the principle that decisions on nuclear energy must be based on a comprehensive and transparent environment impact assessment.
To ensure safety measures in energy generation, manufacture and usage, especially of paraffin.
THE FINANCIAL SECTOR
Noting That:
The financial sector should play a positive developmental role by supporting savings and translating it into investment, and by increasing economic activity through provision of credit and efficient payment mechanisms.
- The financial sector has, in fact, supported the bias of investment:
- Toward capital-intensive sectors and offshore investment,
- Against low-income housing, small and micro enterprise, infrastructure and municipalities
The financial sector has failed to provide affordable basic services (i.e. savings, payments and ATM facilities) in poor communities and has generally maintained a bias against black people, women and youth.
Employment, ownership and training in the sector remain highly unrepresentative.
Government oversight systems of state-owned financial institutions need to be improved in order to ensure that they fulfil their developmental mandates especially those that contribute to job creation, social equity and growth.
Much of our population needs more training to understand personal financial management and transactions.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That government urgently adopt measures to ensure the transformation of the financial sector with clear and measurable targets
That Government financial institutions must be strengthened and be given clearer mandates in terms of their developmental role.
That, as agreed in the Financial Sector Summit, government, business and labour must urgently define mechanisms to increase investment in developmental projects.
That the regulatory framework for the financial sector must be made more accountable, responsive and transparent.
- To support small-scale community and village banks, community-based saving schemes and co-operative banks, through:
- Appropriate changes in the legislative and regulatory framework,
- Government and NGO programmes to strengthen these institutions through training, subsidies and other measures,
- Encouragement to unions and public-sector employers, including local governments and parastatals, to establish co-operative banks.
- Review the Bank’s Act with a view to enabling legal Developmental Micro-finance Institutions to on-lend poor women’s savings.
- Campaigns for a culture of savings by all sectors of the population.
To support legislation on the regulation of credit bureaux as agreed by the financial sector summit.
To actively lead a campaign towards the implementation of the resolutions of the summit.
To support community reinvestment legislation that prescribes developmental reporting requirements and sets targets.
To support developmental, non-profit legal micro-finance agencies that target the poor for income generating activities to improve family livelihoods, especially in remote rural areas, through: Capacity building, training programmes, development of organisational structures and assistance in obtaining appropriate technology.
10. That government should lead the establishment of an apex fund that can on-lend to the very poor through developmental micro-lenders and community banking institutions. The apex fund should be supported financially through the treasury.
11. That we must review the application of exemptions from the interest rate requirements for micro-lenders’ under the Usury Act.
12. That the Government must ensure that the SETAs are active in the financial sector to support the work of Micro-Financing Institutions.
13. That government must urgently implement rigorous measures to end unfair discrimination in the financial sector, including against people with HIV, by strengthening disclosure and accountability requirements.
14. That education and training about the financial sector must form part of all relevant SETA programmes and be integrated into the life skills curricula in schools.
15. The ANC should launch a campaign to educate people on the dangers of participation in pyramid schemes.
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Noting That:
Local economic development is critical for balanced, employment-creating, equitable and dynamic growth
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
We should develop local economic development strategies that:
- Stimulate local production and commerce, including home industries,
- Are linked to national and provincial strategies
- Build institutional arrangements that stimulate community initiatives and broadened ownership, including through cooperatives.
- Redress apartheid spatial planning, which undermines local economic development;
- Promote the delivery of municipal services through collective community initiatives and enterprises.
APPENDIX TO ECONOMIC RESOLUTIONS:
COMMENTS ON KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR OUTCOMES
EMPLOYMENT
Key Performance Indicators
- Unemployment rate
- Average wage
- Share of women and youth in total employment
- Share of employment in poor provinces in total employment
- Urban-rural distribution of total employment
- Share of formal employment in total employment
- Share of skilled employees in total employment
Comment
We want to halve the current level of unemployment by 2014. We are working towards changing the composition of skilled and unskilled workers through the rapid implementation of resources for skills development programmes. We will work with industry to create labour intensive production, which will in turn impact positively on small business. We will support sectoral programmes and the Proudly South Africa campaign to mobilise capital, labour and other stakeholders around employment-creating growth.
BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Key Performance Indicators
- Distribution of income, wealth and employment overall and by race and gender
- Share of productive assets owned in each sector by black people, especially black women
- Grade 12 (matric) pass rate and degrees awarded by race and gender
- Composition of high-level managerial and professional posts by sector, by race and gender
Comment
The ANC sees BEE as a process that should empower the majority of our people, not just a small minority. That means all our measures to improve the distribution of income and wealth must be used in assessing BEE. In particular, the share of black people, especially black women, in ownership and management of companies and land and in high-level managerial and professional positions must increase qualitatively.
RESTRUCTURING PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND ASSETS
Key Performance Indicators
- Establishment of a public register of state-owned enterprise and public-private partnerships in all spheres of government
- Adequate and affordable infrastructure for all households, in line with well-defined national targets and standards
- Well maintained and efficient infrastructure for formal and household-based enterprise
- Where necessary, strong regulatory agencies that can monitor and enforce government policy
- Support from major stakeholders for the restructuring process Comment The restructuring programme aims primarily to ensure that services are provided more efficiently and affordably. To achieve this aim requires adequate regulation.
BUILDING A COOPERATIVE MOVEMENT
Key Performance Indicators
- Appropriate legislative framework by end of 2003
- Procurement and other incentives for cooperatives by end of 2003 Comment The government will ensure that we create an environment in which cooperatives thrive and grow, are supported by government and public enterprises and constitute a more significant section of the economy by the year 2014.
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Key Performance Indicators
- Average years of schooling by race & gender
- Grade 12 (matric) pass rate by subject, race, gender and region
- Access to tertiary education by subject, race, gender
- Access to science, maths, computer training and cultural studies, especially in historically black schools
- SET practitioners per 1000 of labour force
- Learnership programmes and SETA’s
Comment
The apartheid system deprived African schools, in particular, of teachers and facilities for maths, science, computer training and cultural studies – all of which are critical for engagement in the modern economy.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE STATE AND GOVERNANCE
Noting That:
The consolidation of the democratic order requires the transformation of institutions of governance to ensure that they are capable of facilitating the pursuit of the goal of creating a better life for all, the promotion of a culture of democracy and human rights, non-racism and a new patriotism and African unity for reconstruction and development.
The challenge of nation building remains the primary task of the ANC for the full realisation of the NDR.
The current electoral system contributes to nation building and the maintenance of stability by promoting inclusivity and national reconciliation; that the proportional representation system has facilitated representative institutions with a special focus on women, rural communities and other targeted groups and that accountability is not dependent solely on an electoral system.
Where people are not involved in the decisions that affect their lives, social policies and political interventions are less likely to succeed. Participatory democracy should therefore complement and enhance representative democracy.
The legacy of apartheid policy has resulted in many of the newly established municipalities lacking the resources and capacity to meet their developmental challenges.
Corruption is a social scourge that cuts across the public and private sectors, and society at large, and involves a transaction between at least the giver and the receiver. Corruption and unethical conduct pose a major challenge within the public, private, and civil sectors and that wherever it occurs, it undermines the values and objectives of the NDR;
The pace of transformation in the culture of the Public Service, particularly implementation of Batho Pele is slow and at times frustrating service delivery.
- The difficulty to attract, recruit, retain and develop professional and managerial skills, and pressure on the South African skills base occasioned by the opening of the international labour market. Also, the different levels of capacity vary between different departments and institutions of government and the absence of common national norms and standards for remuneration of public officials.
AND FURTHER NOTING:
The Mafikeng resolution on the relationship between ANC constitutional structures and institutions of governance, and that the said resolution instructed that appropriate structures be established to implement this resolution.
That government has enacted legislation such as the Public Finance Management Act and Protected Disclosures Act to limit the areas in which corruption can take place and is in the process of passing further legislation necessary to combat corruption.
The range of institutions supporting democracy that we have introduced, manifesting the ANC’s commitment to an active democratic, transparent and developmental state. These institutions include: The Public Protector, The Human Rights Commission, Commission for Gender Equality, The Auditor General, The Independent Electoral Commission, The Public Service Commission, Financial and Fiscal Commission, the Reserve Bank and others.
The reforms introduced by the ANC to transform management in all spheres government to meet the needs of a developmental state and to improve its capacity to deliver including the introduction of financial management legislation like the Public Finance Management Act and public service reforms such as the establishment of Senior Management Services;
The shift in focus towards outputs and outcomes rather than on inputs, as a necessary reform to assess performance for service delivery, and the need to prioritise the system of performance management and accountability for service (non-financial) delivery to complement the system of financial accountability;
The need for all legislatures (Parliament, provincial legislatures, municipal councils) to exercise their oversight responsibility more comprehensively, by holding government departments and organs of state accountable for both non-financial (service delivery) and financial performance; and to inform the public on the accountability system for performance in the public sector;
Parliament has a special role in ensuring that all legislation furthers the transformation of the state and sets the tone for transformation of all state institutions,
The need to distinguish between corruption and gross mismanagement on the one hand, and technical (but non-material) infringements on the other, in order to determine appropriate corrective or punitive measures to enhance performance;
The considerable advances the ANC has made in transforming our system of governance into one in which the people are able to actively participate. This has been done through structures and mechanisms such as School Governing Bodies, Community Policing Forums, Ward Committees, Imbizo, Constituency Offices, the committee system in parliament and the legislatures Integrated Development Plans amongst others. Campaigns such as the Letsema and Masakane Campaigns are also important elements of popular participation in governance.
That the impact of HIV and AIDS on the public sector will become more pronounced over the next five years.
The 50th Conference of the ANC in Mafikeng adopted a resolution on local government, which sought to give effect to the vision: “The people shall govern” and since then government has developed the necessary policy and legislative framework in the form of the White Paper on Local Government, the Municipal Demarcation Act, the Municipal Structures Act and the Municipal Systems Act and that as a result, a new system of local government was inaugurated in December 2000.
That, nevertheless, many of our cadres who are deployed into at the local sphere of government require political support from the ANC in order for them to be able to discharge their mandate.
BELIEVING THAT:
We seek to build a developmental state, capable of implementing the objectives of our national democratic revolution, including the creation of a better life for all, addressing the legacy of apartheid colonialism and patriarchy, and acting as the driving force for socio-economic transformation.
The state as the key instrument for the delivery of basic services should develop appropriate systems and structures in order to facilitate a more quality and sustainable service delivery machinery.
A number of parastatals are an integral part of the state machinery, some of whose mission include operations as focused vehicles to enhance service delivery and achieve sustainable development, whilst others operate primarily as key input sectors in the economy.
The effective implementation of the new local government system will considerably advance the NDR. Local government faces the challenge of mobilising the masses of our people to actively participate in matters of governance, including IDP’s, budgeting, performance management and restructuring of service delivery.
Urbanization is a serious challenge.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
On an Electoral System
To retain the current electoral system and to review the constituency work of its public representatives to enhance significantly accountability to ANC structures and to the public. On Anti-Corruption
That the ANC should lead by example in dealing effectively with any member engaged in corruption through disciplinary action which could include expulsion.
That the ANC and its cadres should play a central role in encouraging ‘whistle-blowing’ and exposing acts of corruption and unethical conduct especially among public officials.
That the ANC should embrace ‘the RDP of the soul’ and empower its cadres deployed in both the public and private sector by developing guidelines and protocols which would enable them to avoid being unwillingly or unwittingly compromised or corrupted.
That the nation-wide anti-corruption campaign, including a media campaign, be intensified and mechanisms and institutions such as the national anti-corruption forum be promoted to reinforce the anti-corruption campaigns and actions.
- That government should:
- Ensure that legislation is speedily implemented to deter corruption including the use of punitive measures;
- Continue to provide capacity for financial and project management;
- Ensure that ‘whistle-blowers’ are adequately protected in terms of the law;
- Evaluate the agencies involved in combating corruption and ensure that their activities are effectively co-ordinated in dealing with corruption.
- Embark on awareness and training campaigns amongst public representatives and public servants about mechanisms used/employed to corrupt, and/or compromise them, and of steps to take when they find themselves unwittingly compromised.
On Institutions Enhancing Democracy and Transformation
That the ANC undertakes a comprehensive assessment of these institutions with regard to their mandates, resources, functioning in order that their capacity is enhanced.
That the ANC creates public awareness of the objectives of these institutions so that they are optimally utilized.
To develop a standardized approach to all regulatory institutions, including on such matters as appointment procedures and their mandates.
That work on the review of these institutions should continue and the incoming NEC should submit a report on the above matters to the National General Council. On Performance Management in the Public Sector, Parliament, provincial legislatures and local councils (See noting 6 and 7 and further noting 11, 12 and 13)
To accelerate the pace of implementing the accountability system for better performance on service delivery and financial management, by fully and properly implementing the management and performance reforms like the PFMA and Senior Management Service.
To support the need for appropriate corrective or punitive measures to enhance both financial and non-financial performance, by dealing decisively with material problems as identified, but differentiating where appropriate between corruption, gross mismanagement and technical infringements.
To support the need for all legislatures (Parliament, provincial legislatures and municipal councils) to improve their capacity to exercise their constitutional oversight role by developing protocols for assessing the performance of all organs of state and by providing them with sufficient resources to effectively carry out this role.
To strengthen measures towards standardising the work of legislatures and building capacity of MPs, MPLs and councillors.
To develop a common understanding of the work of the executive and the legislatures. On Participatory Democracy (See noting 3, 15 )
That all ANC structures and deployed cadres must continue to take forward the Letsema and Masakane Campaigns wherever we may find ourselves – in schools, on farms, and in the cities, etc.
That the ANC takes active steps to promote participatory democracy by creating opportunities for the effective involvement and participation of men and women, of those not literate as well as those with literacy, the rural poor, the working people and people with disabilities and other targeted groups to gather and express themselves on matters relevant to their basic conditions.
That the ANC review the various initiatives on participatory democracy to create an integrated system of participation including the identification of needs, priorities and implementation of decisions affecting society.
That the NEC develops mechanisms and strategies to strengthen the role of ANC Branches, Alliance Structures and other appropriate organs of civil society in order to inform policy and legislation on issues that affect their lives by engaging with Parliamentary and Provincial Legislature committees through making submissions and participating in hearings.
That we increase our efforts to bring Parliament, legislatures and councils closer to the people.
That resources be made available for the expansion and consolidation of participatory democracy.
That ANC branches make maximum use of the new model of local government to enhance significantly participatory democracy. On Institutional Capacity Building for Improving Service Delivery (See believing 1 to 5)
That the state retain strategic and regulatory control of the infrastructure for basic service delivery such as water, sanitation, access to facilities for communities;
To strengthen its ability to formulate, establish and implement policy in key areas of tariffs, revenue collection, target, priorities, human resources equity, performance utilization, service delivery and standards, with a special focus on access for the poor and marginalized in society;
To strengthen the ability of government through the provision of adequate resources and the establishment of mechanisms that enhance service delivery including entities that pool or share resources and/or focus capacity in a manner that enhances service delivery, accountability and democratic management.
That capacity for service delivery be developed through the integration of a skills development workplace plan, greater standardisation of training across the public sector in line with the Human Resource Development strategy adopted for the public sector, the expansion of learnerships across all spheres of government, strategies to deal with the impact of HIV/AIDS on the public sector, service delivery targets in performance contracts of officials and integrated development plans.
That our structures need to play a leading role in forums in local communities such has ward committees, School Governing Boards, Community Policing Fora, etc. The focus of this intervention is to maximize service improvement, resource re-allocation and integrated development planning;
That a framework and skills for developing capacity of and for managing partnerships with communities, private and public institutions, etc be developed.
Research is undertaken to find solutions that address the challenges of shack farming, and the illegal conversion of agricultural land to accommodate informal dwellings for profit.
That the ANC develops the necessary capacity to monitor and evaluate the performance of state institutions with regard to service delivery. On the role of Parastatals in transformation of the State (See believing 2 and 3)
That a number of parastatals, including provincial and municipal enterprises, are a significant strategic public asset that must be included as an integral component of our approach to building an active developmental state;
To strengthen and consolidate existing efforts to redirect the parastatals towards meeting the developmental goals of the country.
To extend the National Framework Agreement to provincial and local government levels.
The ANC must place greater attention on the role of parastatals in improving public access to basic services, and their broader role in development and growth.
That these entities are continuously monitored and evaluated against the goals of a developmental state. On the Role of Local Government (See noting 4)
That the ANC creates institutional capacity aimed at giving systematic political support to cadres who are deployed in the local government sphere in order to enhance their capacity to discharge their mandate.
That the ANC strengthen its guidelines to improve accountability by our public representatives.
That the NEC must attend to the issue of civil servants, such as teachers, who hold elected office in local government to ensure that they are able to perform their dual responsibilities without jeopardising either their professional or elected positions.
That a framework must be developed for the devolution of functions, accompanied by the necessary resources, from national or provincial spheres to the local sphere where services can be effectively delivered.
That municipalities must be given differential support in order to enable those with weaker revenue base to access the resources they need for them to function effectively.
That National and Provincial spheres of government, including sectoral departments, should seek to ensure that their development plans are aligned to municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and that they contribute to strengthening the capacity of municipalities to determine and implement IDPs. In seeking to do this, the national and provincial spheres should also be sensitive to the relationship between IDPs and budgets.
That ANC constitutional structures, especially branches, should complement the functioning of Ward Committees in order to ensure that residents and sectors of society are mobilised to actively participate in programs of governance and socio-economic development. Consideration should be given to provide resources that enable them to do their constituency/ward work more effectively.
That urgent steps must be taken to develop a government policy and legislative framework identifying the role of traditional leaders in our system of governance and to continually engage with traditional leaders on government policy. Such a policy and legislative framework must give effect to the relevant resolution adopted at the 50th ANC Conference in Mafikeng.
44. To develop a framework that will seek to determine a holistic approach to the remuneration of municipal managers and link the levels of remuneration to performance.
To continue on strengthening, developing and refining the system of intergovernmental relations between the three spheres of government that has evolved.
That the local government financial system must be further reviewed to ensure that municipalities are able to fulfil their roles effectively.
To encourage relations amongst municipalities, with a view to share experiences and learn from best practices.
To review cross boundary municipalities with a view to ensure that areas demarcated as such remain integrated units, but fall within one province.
That women’s’ caucuses must be established in all spheres of government, including local government. On Transforming the Public service, the creation of a Single Public Service and accelerating service delivery through Batho Pele
That the pace of transformation be accelerated through the creation of a single development-oriented integrated system of public administration. This will assist the even distribution of capacity through mobility.
To develop a consistent remuneration framework to promote transferability throughout all institutions of government.
That advances towards a single public service should be done on an informed basis and be preceded by a review of the various capacity levels required by the different government institutions. In this review we should also identify all impediments towards transformation of public sector organizations and develop appropriate strategies.
That the effectiveness of existing co-ordination and integration mechanisms be evaluated.
To accelerate gender representivity and the representation of people with disabilities in all public sector organizations, at all levels, in particular middle and senior management level. Clear programs be developed to capacitate women and cadres with disabilities; and furthermore to establish better co-ordination of the ANCWL, OSW, and gender committees.
That the move towards a single public service should not be seen as an administrative process, and should incorporate the move towards integrated service delivery including single access points of services for citizens. This will result in greater access to services for rural communities.
That the ANC should facilitate a massive political education campaign with an aim to capacitate our members to engage with public officials to demand services, and to capacitate our structures to play a political leadership and oversight role vis-à-vis service delivery.
To galvanize the support of communities in an effort to improve service delivery and strengthen the actions of alliance partners that contributes towards improving service delivery. The Letsema campaign should become a permanent feature of the Batho Pele process.
That the accountability of public servants, particularly of deployed cadres should be monitored, by concentrating on service delivery indicators and the provisions of the code of ethics for public servants. The systems and capacity of frontline staff members, particularly of major service delivery institutions should be prioritised.
That there is a need to negotiate a protocol between governments on the mobility of scarce skills resources. The ANC should launch an international campaign in response to the poaching of professionals from South Africa and other countries of the South.
To reconfirm the current roles and responsibilities of the three spheres of government whilst acknowledging the need for refinements in the distribution of powers and functions.
That comprehensive discussion to be undertaken with all stakeholders to facilitate development and implementation of proposals for a single public service
To ensure ongoing training and development of all public servants, through the SETAs.
To develop a partnership with all public sector unions in order to achieve the goals of Batho Pele in order to ensure the realization of improvement of service delivery in an endeavour to improve the quality of life of our people.
That the NEC must further investigate the proposal to “develop and strengthen the layer of the public service deployed in the field to maintain direct contact with people at their residential places”. On the size of legislatures
That the incoming NEC should review the effectiveness of legislatures and the size of the legislatures in the light of their roles and functions, the functions of members of the National Assembly, delegates of the National Council of Provinces and Members of Provincial Legislatures. On the relationship between the ANC Constitutional structures and institutions of Governance
- That the NEC should review the functioning of current structures to provide political direction to cadres deployed in all spheres of governance and to ensure accountability. There must a mechanism to review and evaluate the performance of deployed ANC cadres.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Noting That:
South Africa’s pre-1994 economic growth path was characterised by extremes of development and under-development, resulting in the legacy of South Africa as a country of two nations. The developed component of this economy has enjoyed historic over-investment, which achieved short-term cost competitiveness. This however, has been at the expense of the under-developed part of the economy, which represents the experiences of the vast majority of South Africans, where economic potential has not been enabled and harnessed due to backlogs and under-investment in social and productive capital.
The apartheid era left a legacy of social and economic infrastructure that is unintegrated, environmentally unsustainable, of poor quality and unequally distributed. The interests of white communities, business and security considerations influenced infrastructure programmes. There was little or no reference to the needs of the poor and rural areas.
- A number of problems have emerged in the course of our experience of infrastructure development, including:
- Under-utilization of existing infrastructure
- Poor coordination in the development of new infrastructure
- Poor quality of infrastructure provision.
- Lack of sustainability resulting from lack of adequate operational planning and maintenance.
- Urbanisation, resulting in urban sprawl and the growth in informal settlements.
- Over-utilisation of consultants
AND FURTHER
Noting That:
The ANC-led democratic government has introduced new priorities in infrastructure provision since 1994. These emphasized the needs of the poor, rural areas, the emergence of South Africa as an important actor in global trade, and the introduction of a new reconstruction and development agenda in South Africa, the SADC region and Africa as a whole.
These new priorities raised enormous challenges to the way in which infrastructure could be provided, would be funded, and should be integrated. We estimated an infrastructure investment backlog of R170 billion.
Since 1994 the public sector has accounted for about 30% of gross fixed capital formation in South Africa. Of this about 45% came from state owned enterprises. The remainder, or about 15% of total fixed capital formation came from allocations made by government departments through the budget.
- Progress since 1994 shows that:
- 2.8 million phones have been installed, most of which are in previously neglected areas;
- Over 1.4 million housing subsidies have been allocated and over 1.3 million houses built;
- Over 3 million homes have been electrified;
- We have spent over R18 billion on roads, with 78% of this spent on provincial and 22% on national roads; rural roads have been built consistently through an array of interventions, including the Community Based Public Works Programme;
- We have also spent over R1.6 billion on rail infrastructure.
- The Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme has allocated about R3.4 billion for sanitation, water, roads, and storm water projects and nearly R5 billion has been spent on rural water supply schemes to serve over 7 million people.
- The infrastructure budgets for education and health facilities have increased dramatically.
- A substantial number of jobs have been created through these investments.
South Africa’s infrastructure programmes have been internationally recognized as amongst the best in the developing world by institutions such as the UN and the ILO, amongst others.
Furthermore, significant progress has been made in promoting infrastructure investment throughout Africa in pursuit of NEPAD objectives, particularly through the investment activities of State Owned Enterprises and the recent establishment of the Africa Infrastructure Fund.
Although the basic infrastructure policy is sound, the mechanisms of delivery and the visible impact on poverty, on the lives of women, youth, rural communities and people living on farms must be accelerated through better integration and coordination of infrastructure delivery.
While we still face considerable economic challenges, especially with regard to unemployment, we have now begun to reap the benefits of earlier economic decisions. A greater resource base for further infrastructure expansion is now available to accelerate investment and provision of infrastructure across South Africa in an integrated and developmental manner.
However, while greater levels of funding are now available, there is a need to significantly enhance the capacity for delivery across all spheres of government. Central to this is increasing the capacity of the public sector to meet its expanded mandates, while at the same time reducing over-reliance on external consultants.
Progress has been made towards the growth and transformation of the construction industry, through the establishment of various government agencies and affirmative procurement. However, we still face challenges in building a sustainable, competitive and transformed construction industry, especially in regard to monopolization of the supply side of the industry, which has negative effects on the price of materials.
Infrastructure development is conducive to labour intensive and labour-based employment.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The National Democratic Revolution challenges us to focus infrastructure development towards achieving the integration of our communities through spatial development and the ongoing deracialisation of our country. This includes bridging the technology, production and infrastructure divide between rural and urban areas. It also requires greater coordination and planning for infrastructure to support the growth and development strategy implemented through all spheres of government.
Infrastructure provision must be understood in a broader context to include economic, social, institutional and municipal infrastructure. The implications are that funding will be made available for the development for capital works, institutional development and processes that capture our heritage.
- The input sectors of the economy are of critical importance to building upon our global comparative advantage. In particular:
- The recent growth of the ICT sector present important opportunities for economic and social development. Realizing these opportunities requires extensive infrastructure investment.
- The available of low-cost energy has attracted significant investment in a number of sectors.
- Our transport infrastructure has enabled South Africa to realize its comparative advantages in the global economy.
We have identified South Africa as a developmental state where its institutions and enterprises play an active, leading and participatory role through their own initiatives as well as through encouraging workable public-private partnerships as a means of combining public and private sector support and resources in a targeted development programme.
Sound and accessible infrastructure provides much needed access for people, particularly the poor and those in isolated areas or regions, to affordable and good quality services, facilities and opportunities. It can also facilitate economic growth and diversification, and create favourable conditions for improved production and increased consumption;
The 1995 framework agreement between government, business and labour on conditions of employment and skills development has provided a foundation for an expanded public works programme.
The 50th Conference of the ANC in Mafikeng strengthened the Reconstruction and Development Programme’s commitment to infrastructure development, including that the ANC should develop and implement a minimum programme in line with the principles of the National Public Works Programme, which identifies specific sectoral programmes.
The Port Elizabeth National General Council of the ANC examined progress in the light of experience up until that stage and made specific recommendations to improve infrastructure including to improve government planning and funding in the context of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, promoting public private partnerships and leveraging private sector investment and facilitating black economic empowerment.
There is an important link between infrastructure development and our commitments in social transformation towards poverty eradication and meeting basic needs, including the provision of housing and other basic services.
The ANC has mandated its branches to become the vanguard of communities and agents for change with an important role in mobilizing communities and resources for infrastructure development
AND FURTHER BELIEVING THAT:
- The key components of a vision for infrastructure in our country include the following objectives:
- Maintaining and building upon the global comparative advantage created by our modern infrastructure.
- Supporting the provision of infrastructure throughout our continent as a contribution to the regeneration of the African continent in context of NEPAD
- A dedicated focus on infrastructure development will further reinforce the input sector of the economy.
- Expanding infrastructure development to all areas of our country and ensure equitable access to good infrastructure through a clear infrastructure development programme
- Eliminating inequalities and disparities in forward planning for infrastructure to ensure that resources are equitably used to meet the most critical needs first.
- Developing common standards for infrastructure development and maintenance that are affordable both to government and our people, and which emphasize labour intensive methods and technologies.
- Providing basic affordable household infrastructure to every household at standards defined appropriately for each type of human settlement.
- A transformed and competitive construction industry that is able to deliver value to society.
- A sufficient network of different types of (inter-modal) transport infrastructure to support economic development and human settlement development.
- High-level maintenance through community development programmes that encourage the participation of women, youth and unemployed people.
- An integrated infrastructure programme should:
- Maximize economic development benefits and improve prospects for long-term economic growth by focusing on key input sectors such as energy, transport and Information and Communication Technologies as well as employment creation in areas where this can be most effectively undertaken;
- Ensure the proper balance between economic and social infrastructure;
- Support state restructuring and institutional development in order to ensure greater competitiveness, foster development on the basis of local potential and to facilitate the provision of basic needs throughout the country.
- Ensure the alignment of budget cycles of municipalities to be in concert with the multi-year budgeting cycle of other spheres of government, in order to ensure the effective planning and financing of IDP’s
- Create of a consolidated information management system, to monitor quality services and products and formulate appropriate strategies
- Promote improved delivery capacity of the public sector and construction industry.
- Enhance inter-sectoral integration at national government level, intergovernmental integration between National, Provincial and Local Government and involve sate owned enterprises in delivery
- Infrastructure investment must be built upon the principle of co-operative governance and joint planning
- Establish a framework for monitoring and evaluation, identifying role-players and their responsibilities on the basis of clearly identifiable key performance areas and project deliverables in relation to cost, quality and socio economic outcomes.
- Labour-intensive and labour-based infrastructure development can make an important contribution towards short-term measures to address unemployment.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC endorses the principle that infrastructure development is a primary driver of economic growth and social development.
- The focused outcomes of infrastructure development must be:
- Job creation poverty eradication and income generation through an Expanded Public Works Programme approach, using labour intensive methods of construction, development and maintenance;
- Building a globally competitive economy, especially through the targeting of infrastructure to the input sectors, including ICT, energy and transport;
- To promote the sustainable use of all forms of energy including nuclear to facilitate economic development and provide basic services. To allow for cross subsidies across energy carriers, within and outside the grid, to ensure affordability of energy sources to the poor. To promote renewable energy;
- Building democratic participation in development through amongst others ward committees, the social cohesion of communities and removing obstacles to effective participation of women, youth, people with disabilities and other targeted groups;
- Black Economic Empowerment, especially through building the capacity of and affirming the participation of small contractors including promoting government supported and approved mentoring programmes, and also addressing supply sectors and associated professional services. Consideration should also be given to the adoption of empowerment charters in infrastructure development sectors
- A competitive, developmental and transformed construction industry and related professional services that deliver value to society and complements programmes initiated by all spheres of Government;
- Integrated provision of infrastructure to drive rural, urban and human settlement development facilitated by an enhanced strategy for land acquisition, including of strategically located and developed sites in urban heartlands as well as rural areas, through disposal of state land, expropriation and addressing constraints to infrastructure provision arising from private and communal ownership rights , and the provision of social facilities;
- Providing infrastructure, in particular basic social and municipal services, through labour intensive methods to maximize job creation and skills development;
- Facilities in rural areas that address social needs, food security, isolation, safety and security and rural economic development including tourism and agriculture.
- An Integrated Infrastructure Plan must be developed, which incorporates and consolidates development plans across all spheres of government, especially ensuring alignment with Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of local government, the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme (ISRDP) and the Urban Renewal Programme (URP). Such a plan must:
- Proceed from a critical assessment of all current programmes with a view to strengthening procedures, overcoming institutional and operational difficulties in regard to the coordination of government and state owned enterprises.
- Develop the capacity of people, organisations and systems to ensure that the effective management of the delivery and maintenance of infrastructure is achieved, with special focus on the planning and operational capacity of Municipalities.
- Ensure effective integration and coordination across departments and amongst all spheres of government.
- Government must establish an Inter-Ministerial Committee on infrastructure development to:
- Ensure the appropriate prioritisation of budgets,
- Ensure the expansion of public service capacity for infrastructure development
- Create an appropriate balance between Government subsidies, Public and Private sector investment. Investigate the economic and social impact of subsidies
- Establish a monitoring and evaluation framework for infrastructure development, including the standardisation and harmonisation of procurement policies and procedures.
- Oversee the creation and work of a National Coordinating Forum for Infrastructure Development to facilitate discussion and implementation of an integrated infrastructure plan, based an enhanced public works programme.
- Ensure the application of labour intensive methods and technologies as the basis of infrastructure development and expanded public programme planning and implementation
- The National Forum must:
- Consist of national, provincial and locals spheres of governments, as well as relevant State Owned Enterprises.
- Consider economic, social, planning and implementation implications of adopting the integrated infrastructure plan and draw in other stakeholders.
- Develop an infrastructure investment framework to:
- Facilitate and secure private sector investment through social investment programmes,
- Promote increased investment by financial institutions in infrastructure,
- Establish new mechanisms for the mobilization of funding for infrastructure development
- Align public sector budgeting, procurement and funding on multi year basis,
- Direct government purchasing power and procurement systems to support SMME skills development and investment in infrastructure.
- Co-ordination and prioritisation of SOE programmes to support strategic objectives of NDR and government policies, through mechanisms such as shareholder compacts, and
- Complement government programmes for economic growth and meeting basic needs.
- The Expanded Public Works Programme must be a major priority and be designed to make a significant contribution to reducing unemployment and providing livelihoods for the poor, women, youth and people with disabilities. In the spirit of the 1995 agreement between labour, business and government, it should adopt a differentiated approach to social and economic infrastructure that ensures the design of social infrastructure, including all urban and rural social facilities, infrastructure for basic household services, amenities in residential areas focusing on:
- Creation of jobs through labour intensive construction and maintenance
- Creating sustainable assets for the poor
- Creating income generating opportunities for communities, and
- Providing opportunities for skills development and training
That economic infrastructure takes into account the economic costs of the use, operation and the life cycle costs of the infrastructure in a manner that maximizes economic output.
That capacity must be built at all spheres of government (especially at local government) to manage implementation, review financing framework for Local Government, and promote good governance that is people-centred.
That human resources must be developed in all aspects of the infrastructure development programme, including targeted skills development, SMME development, learnerships targeting young graduates and unemployed and the education and deployment of cadres.
That the Poverty Relief Fund must be used in a targeted way, linking with public works programmes, to create short-term employment, using labour intensive methods and building community pride and self-reliance.
That the structures of the state must, where appropriate, be redesigned and restructured to facilitate infrastructure development.
That budget allocations must take into account infrastructure backlogs, maintenance requirements and the need to meet targets set nationally and by International agreements for universal access to basic services.
To prioritise infrastructure programmes in support of regional integration and the promotion of NEPAD.
That government must establish clear programmes for infrastructure maintenance, facilitating access and ownership by our rural and urban communities through empowerment of all our people particularly women, youth, people with disabilities and the unemployed on a scale sufficient for effective and competitive engagement in productive activity. We must also ensure that we mobilise all existing capacities for infrastructure development, for instance through Youth Corps, cooperatives and under-utilised capacity within the SANDF and other institutions. We must also ensure that infrastructure is user friendly to persons living with disability and not harmful to the environment.
- In the spirit of Letsema, ANC branches should initiate campaigns to support and participate in infrastructure development programmes on the part of government. ANC structures should also build capacity to monitor these programmes. Our branches should also mobilise the community to understand and support the rollout of free basic services for the poor, whose success will be dependent on a culture of payment for higher levels of consumption.
COMMUNICATIONS
Noting That:
Communications play a major role in deepening our democracy, promoting a culture of human rights and as a key pillar in the transformation of our country.
Valuable progress has been made in transforming the media and challenging the legacy of the apartheid media discourse, but a lot still has to be done.
The media itself faces major challenges with regard to equity, skills development and improvement of working conditions.
Media and communications are contested terrains and therefore not neutral, but reflect the ideological battles and power relations based on race, class and gender in our society and that some sections of the media continue to adopt an anti-transformation, anti-ANC stance and are not accountable to the general public.
The ANC pays insufficient attention to internal, intra-alliance, civil society and external communications and thus the need for an effective media and communication strategy for internal and external communication in the ANC, including the establishment of structures that will shape and influence communications in the country.
The public broadcaster, the SABC, plays a critical role in shaping opinions and building societal values, including the moral fibre of our society, socio-economic transformation and the building of a united, patriotic nation.
Indigenous languages, provincial and local issues are poorly catered for and covered for by the public broadcaster and that deaf people in South Africa do not have access to TV programmes
Racism and sexism in the advertising industry still abounds.
The influence of the advertising and marketing industry over the public broadcaster’s programming undermines the development of local content and the usage of African languages.
- The potential role of our public broadcaster, particularly SABC Africa, in promoting our vision on the African renaissance, the African Union and NEPAD, is very large.
AND FURTHER NOTING:
- The advances that have been made by government to diversify and expand media ownership. But ownership of the media still remains in the hands of the few.
- That language plays a crucial role in the task of mobilising our people behind the objectives of the NDR.
- That ICT continues to be largely inaccessible to the majority of people, especially in the rural areas.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Communication and the dissemination of information to our people are central to the entire functioning of the ANC and that our communication policies and strategies should be guided by the strategy and tactics of our movement.
The ANC needs to challenge, through engagement, the oppositional stances adopted by some sections of the media in our country.
The accountability, fairness and the editorial independence of the public broadcaster are central to the objective assessment of the gains of the NDR.
The role of an objective, developmental and progressive media is critical in building a vibrant democracy.
The ANC and government need to consolidate policies that are aimed at diversifying media and improving universal access to communication technologies and harmonise these policies with education, trade and industry and science and technology policies.
Access to information and communication technologies improves the speed with which government delivers to the public and generally empowers communities to interact with one another and the world at large.
THEREFORE RESOLVE
On Organisational communication
That the ANC should adopt a proactive and consistent media and communication strategy to ensure effective and efficient communication, the implementation of the strategy should be informed by local conditions, with special attention to the Leagues and their constituencies.
To strengthen the communication machinery of the ANC at all levels of the organisation, including increasing the number of people working in ANC communications.
That the ANC and the government should extend the programme of direct communication in order to empower people to become active participants in the building of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
To increase the visibility of the ANC through various forms of media including regular mass meetings, people’s forums and imbizos and through the effective use of parliamentary constituency offices (PCOs) as centres of information on government programmes.
To empower ANC cadres to be more vigilant, engage in the battle of ideas and be able to articulate and defend the policies of the movement.
That the ANC must invest in the training of its cadres deployed at various levels on communication and media skills through the establishment of a media institute and the integration of media and communication issues in political education.
That the ANC ensures the continuous development of policies that promote universal availability of and access to ICT’s and ICT-based services, and to this end to establish an ICT policy forum of the ANC with a research and review mechanism.
That the ANC should develop induction programmes for leadership and cadres on public speaking and communications in general, as well as proper distribution and dissemination of information including ANC publications at grassroots level.
That the ANC should intensify the training of Ministers, MECs, MPs, MPLs and Councillors in dealing with the media and communications in general.
That the ANC increases its communication with civil society organisations and to use these structures to communicate our messages.
That the ANC must strengthen and improve its communication with alliance partners.
That the ANC should continue to engage the media so that it can play a constructive role in our democracy and participate meaningfully in the building of a national consensus.
That all ANC local, regional and provincial offices must have functional Internet, telephone and fax lines that will allow a timeous dissemination and distribution of ANC information and publications.
That our own communication should be clear and simple, in languages that people understand.
That all ANC structures must utilise radio as an important medium to communicate with communities, including community radio stations and community publications, to highlight delivery and interact with the public.
That the ANC must urgently develop a cadre policy and consideration should be given to the Kabwe cadre policy resolution.
That the ANC must urgently establish a media and communication forum where cadres deployed in various sectors can interact and provide regular reports on transformation issues.
That the ANC needs to speed up the process of encouraging the emergence of media platforms that objectively inform the masses about the ANC’s perspectives and positions.
That the ANC should enforce discipline at all levels of our structures to prevent media leaks and the undermining of internal processes.
That the ANC must give more active leadership to government communications.
That the ANC must pursue the transformation of the advertising and marketing industry including the training of previously disadvantaged individuals, and engage the industry to support local content and media and the production of advertisements that are not degrading to women and people with disabilities.
That the ANC must encourage that curricula for training journalists contain progressive political and social content and also to encourage media houses to invest in training and improving research capacity of journalists.
That the ANC should ensure that the newsrooms reflect the demography of our country, using such instruments as the Employment Equity Act.
That ANC should actively participate in the establishment of independent civil society forums to promote accountability and objectivity of the media and ensure that public interest issues are being adequately addressed. On Government Communications
That government ensures that its reports are clear and simple and distributed in a language that people understand.
That government must ensure better integration and coordination of all government communications, with the necessary authority to alignment of messages, timing and general communication of its policies and programmes.
That there should be continuous engagement with international media and agencies in order to profile and promote the image of our country.
That local government and ANC structures should actively promote and assist local communities, especially in rural areas, to apply for community radio licenses and the establishment of community newspapers taking advantage of the opportunities offered through the Media Development and Diversity Agency.
That government should increase it’s advertising spend on community media.
That government should increase access of the Information and Communication and Technology sector to previously disadvantaged communities and encourage coordination of existing ICT initiatives such as tele-centres, Multi-Purpose Community Centres, as well as raise public awareness on ICT and its impact on human development.
That government should promote diverse ownership and control of the country’s media in all its forms. On Broadcasting
That government should pursue the comprehensive transformation of the public broadcaster to reflect the unity and diversity of our people and the needs of the democratic society.
That a strong public broadcaster must be built to promote and protect all eleven official languages equally through local content programming, and to ensure the enforcement of ICASA targets.
That government must move towards establishing a public funded model of the public broadcaster characterised by cross-subsidisation, including parastatal sponsorship of local content and investment from different departments.
That in order to reduce dependence on advertising, government must increase its funding of the public broadcaster.
To take forward the matter of the national youth radio station, provided for in the IBA Triple Enquiry Report adopted by the National Assembly.
That the public broadcaster must ensure that it reports and informs the public on the work of government, including local and provincial government and that it plays its role in promoting social development and economic participation.
That the public broadcaster must ensure that its television programmes have “Closed Captioning”, sign language and other means to cater for deaf people;
That dedicated parliamentary radio and TV channels are established to increase access to information by people and increase the participation of the masses in public debates.
That the public broadcaster should be encouraged to establish alliances with other broadcasters within the African continent in furtherance of the goals of the African Union and NEPAD.
That the public broadcaster’s programming should be sensitive to gender, culture and the well being of children.
BENCHMARKING OF THE RESOLUTION ON COMMUNICATIONS
A. Internal Communication Machinery
- The NEC should develop a media and communication strategy within 6 months to guide all ANC structure especially towards the 2004 elections and also increase the capacity of the ANC Communications Department to effectively perform its functions accordingly.
- Within 6 months all ANC offices at provincial and regional level should be fully equipped and networked with national office for better and improved communication.
- All branches of the ANC should be online within 5 years.
B. Training and Capacity Building
- The NEC must, before the 2004 elections develop a plan to train and improve the capacity of all public representatives including Ministers to deal with media and communications in general. Following the elections, similar training should occur within one year.
- There should be an ongoing induction of leadership and cadres on public speaking and communications.
- A mechanism for establishing a media institute must be in place within 6 months and with regard to the ICT forum and the media and communication forum this should be convened within the first 6 months of 2003.
- Within a year an independent civil society forums should be formed to promote accountability and objectivity of the media.
C. External Communication
- Within five years the NEC should have pursued the establishment of progressive media platforms that will objectively inform the masses about ANC perspectives and positions.
- In 3 years the ANC should ensure that the advertising industry must be representative and transformed.
D. Government
- By 2014 all municipal areas must have community radio stations and publications.
- The MDDA must conduct an audit of all community media by the end of 2003.
- The IMC and other agencies should be supported to continue improving their capacity to promote the image and profile of the country. Annual assessments should be conducted to monitor effectiveness of programmes.
- By 2014, all local communities should have access to information and communication technology.
- Within five years, the South African media landscape should be diverse in ownership and control.
E. Broadcasting
- The publicly funded model for the public broadcaster must be in place by 2012.
- Over the next two years a national youth radio station should be established.
- Within the next three years, the public broadcaster must have closed captioning and sign language and other means to communicate with deaf people.
- A dedicated parliamentary radio and TV channels must be established within the next two years
- Within five years, the public broadcaster must ensure that its programming should be mainly local content and sensitive to gender culture and the well-being of children.
- In the next budget, funds should be allocated to establish the regional TV stations of the public broadcaster in line with the MTEF.
PEACE AND STABILITY
Noting That:
Our vision is derived from the Freedom Charter, which proclaimed in 1955 that “There Shall, be Peace and Friendship.”
The 50th ANC National Conference in Mafikeng assessed progress in transforming the security apparatus of the state and specifically noted that the creation of a better life for all includes the safety and security of our citizens.
The National General Council (July 2000) reviewed implementation of various resolutions passed on Peace and Stability in the areas of Correctional Services, Defence, Justice, Safety and Security, Immigration Intelligence and Governance.
The National General Council reaffirmed the policy framework on peace and stability, adopted at our Mafikeng Conference which acknowledged the importance of the twin principles of peace and stability for achieving the objectives of the NDR; a wider security notion which emphasises the security of the people and the non-military dimensions of security and a holistic approach to peace, stability, security and development.
The elimination of poverty and unemployment and an improvement in living standards will ultimately minimise crime, especially among the youth.
An integrated approach to development that emphasises peace and stability in our country and the SADC region. This approach includes improving the working conditions of security personnel; improvements in the criminal justice system; improved training; intelligence driven investigations led by the prosecution services; effective border control; the reduction of prison overcrowding through diversion programmes and a decrease in awaiting trial prisoners; as well as the transformation of the criminal justice departments and the strengthening of intelligence capacity.
The increased responsibilities of intelligence in defending our democracy including helping to combat terrorism.
The emergence of new threats globally which require a well-coordinated intelligence gathering capacity.
AND FURTHER NOTING:
That the security cluster has made significant progress in bringing about peace and stability by way of an effective management of our crime prevention strategy which has fostered greater cooperation amongst the security cluster departments.
That the prosecuting authority has been restructured and consolidated into a single national structure headed by the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
The successes of the South African Police Service, the Intelligence Agencies and in particular the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) in combating criminal activities.
The significant reduction in case backlogs in our courts and the establishment of a single, co-ordinated judiciary headed by the Chief Justice.
The severe challenges faced by Correctional Services with overcrowding, rehabilitation and corruption.
The ongoing work of the rationalisation and transformation of the SANDF and its associated challenges.
The success of our peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance programmes, for which the SANDF has received international recognition.
The rejuvenation of the reserve force programmes and ensuring that they operate within the framework of the peacekeeping efforts of the SANDF.
The continued efforts to transform the South African Police Service to improve service delivery and make it more responsive to the needs of our society.
The need for efficient delivery of service by Home Affairs to enhance investment and the acquisition of skills and technology and the imperative to formulate a coherent migration policy.
19. The urgent need to ensure security for and integrity of the Population Register.
20. The progress made with the transformation and rationalisation of the Civilian Intelligence Agencies.
21. The following challenges in creating conditions for peace and stability:
- Social mobilization against crime and how to make the CPF’s more effective and reflective of the entire Integrated Criminal Justice Systems.
- Community mobilization and stronger government measures to deal with rape, domestic violence, abuse of children, women and the elderly.
- Speed up transformation of the judiciary to ensure representativity, access to justice for all, especially rural justice.
- Mobilise communities for intelligence support.
- Building the capacity of SANDF by providing it with adequate resources in order for it to play an even larger role in peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance in Africa and the world.
- The uneven compliance with government policies at Home affairs especially on Gender and Service delivery.
- The right and freedom of association of all security force.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The policies of the ANC in promoting peace and stability remain sound and valid, notwithstanding numerous implementation and monitoring challenges and the need for a concrete and measurable implementation strategy to fulfil this urgent requirement.
Security forces are an essential and strategic service.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That conference re-affirms the broad approach embodied in the resolutions of the 50th National Conference of the ANC in Mafikeng and further affirmed by the National General Council in July 2000.
To educate our structures and people on how the integrated Justice System works to facilitate easy access to services.
To develop a plan and strategy to identify, deploy and re-deploy our cadres to strategic positions in the security cluster, ensuring that measures are put in place to monitor the performance and to hold these cadres accountable.
To strengthen civilian oversight over the security departments and to strengthen the Secretariats concerned.
To provide a proper legal basis for the transformation of the Safety and Security Cluster by passing new legislation in accordance with the 1996 Constitution.
To ensure that the exercise of the right of association will not compromise national security and the integrity of the security forces and services. On Defence
That the SANDF continues to fulfil its core functions of protecting the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of South Africa, its peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance role on the continent and the world, as well as support to the SAPS as and when called upon to do so, in aid of the civilian power.
That transformation in the SANDF be accelerated in all echelons of the force and that training programmes be designed, especially targeting the youth, to achieve this.
That urgent attention be paid to the re-skilling, development and integration into society of ex-combatants of the liberation struggle, ex- SADF and ex- SANDF personnel and veterans and the youth on a multi-pronged basis, involving relevant departments and stake holders in civil society. There is a need to explore the extension of medical services through the South African Military Health Services to members of former liberation forces and to expedite the implementation of laws enacted to facilitate access to pensions for NSF members.
That government must embark on a program to phase out the Commando Units as part of the force design of the SANDF, without compromising the security of farming communities.
The ANC must make a full assessment of the demilitarisation and re-integration programme of ex-combatants and ensure the implementation of the project in an effective and sustainable manner.
To integrate former ex-combatants into the reserve force, and ensure that reserve force is representative of the demographics of our country and that enough resources are put in place for this programme.
The Service Corps as a national resource, supported by different state departments, must be re-engineered into a vehicle for effective demilitarisation and re-skilling of former soldiers for effective re-integration into full economic and social life of our society. On the South African Police Services (SAPS)
To expand the role of the Community Police Fora and the Community Safety Fora, to empower them to play a more meaningful part in the safety and security of communities and, in accordance with the Mafikeng resolution, encourage ANC branches to become more actively involved in these structures and to pay attention to their adequate funding.
To establish uniform constitutional regulations for the Community Police Forums.
To legislate for the establishment of the Community Safety Forums.
To ensure a more equitable distribution of police resources between the townships and the suburbs and between urban and rural areas, including training and literacy programmes to upgrade skills of members of the SAPS to effectively perform their duties.
To strengthen and speed the process of the regulation of private security and intelligence companies.
To intensify campaigns at all levels to reduce crime, especially the proliferation of illegal weapons and drugs, corruption and fraudulent activities, the abuse of women and children, the elderly and family violence.
To provide a proper legal basis for the transformation of the SAPS by putting in place a Safety and Security Act, in replacement of the current SAPS Act which is still based on the Interim Constitution.
To urge government to speed up the establishment of a Security and Protection Division within SAPS for all government strategic installations. On Correctional Services
That the ANC must develop, as a matter of urgency, appropriate policies in respect of every aspect of Correctional Services with the central feature being the immediate rehabilitation of offenders to re-integrate them into society.
That Correctional Services must be adequately resourced to deal with the challenges, serious problems and difficulties confronting the department and ensure that the necessary steps are taken for the implementation of these matters.
That accelerated attention be paid to the rehabilitation, development and education of the entire prison community – this could be done through co-ordinated departmental programmes, such as adult basic education and training programmes. On Intelligence
To promote awareness of the role of intelligence so as to elicit maximum cooperation and support from communities.
To commit to the building of well resource intelligence capacity. On Justice
To pay special attention to speeding up legislation to create a grievance procedure to deal with complaints against judicial officers.
To expedite the transformation of the Judiciary, to create a more representative, competent, sensitive, humane and responsive judiciary.
That crimes against women and children, especially rape, should have priority in the criminal justice system especially on the part of investigating and prosecution authorities, as well as the consolidation and strengthening of our victim empowerment system.
That the early implementation of the Promotion of Equality and Prohibition of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000) for the effective campaigns against racism in all areas of life and the implementation of all other legislation which have a transformation element or agenda. On Home Affairs
To ensure the transformation of the department, in line with our objectives to ensure efficient service, the security and the integrity of the Population Register.
That the ANC fully develops a coherent immigration policy.
That a more effective national campaign be developed to eliminate corruption in all government departments, especially in Home Affairs, Correctional Services, South African Police Service and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- Home Affairs services be brought closer to where the people reside and made more user-friendly.
AND FURTHER RESOLVES THAT:
That government renovates and refurbishes all its buildings that are unused for occupation by inmates serving time, as part of Governance programmes to reduce prison overcrowding.
That exhaustive profiles should be done of our communities, in terms of the economic conditions and the social and other crimes therein, for the deployment of members of law enforcements agencies and related departments, in the context of Government’s crime prevention programme.
- That all ANC PEC’s should establish peace and stability sub-committees, responsible to the PEC, that among other things, will:
- Coordinate the work of members of the ANC who serve on Community Policing Forums
- Coordinate peace and stability projects, including moral regeneration activities,
- Mobilise our communities to generate intelligence to assist the law enforcement agencies in the investigation of crime, and
- Build and integrate MKMVA structures into ANC programmes.
Parents who neglect their children, thus exposing them to sexual and other abuses, should be prosecuted in terms of the existing laws, while the law enforcement agencies investigates the crimes in order to bring perpetrators to book.
All Criminal Justice Systems structures of government should be aligned to the existing municipality boundaries to facilitate delivery and access in terms of the Integrated Justice System.
The next five years should be used to consolidate and strengthen municipal police at Metro level, with an intention to assign them with additional tasks of local public policing.
- We commend the security agencies for the successes they have achieved during the period under review especially in the recent past in regard to their intelligence gathering work, crime prevention investigation and prosecution.
TARGETED GROUPS
Women, youth, children, the elderly and people with disabilities)
Noting That:
Since its formation, the African National Congress and its allies have fought for the equality of all sections of South African society irrespective of race, sex, culture, religion or physical make up.
Amongst the motive forces, there are sectors of our society who are marginalized, disadvantaged or vulnerable because of patriarchy, age or being differently-abled. These sectors include women, youth, the elderly, children and people with disabilities.
Policy development within the structures of the movement has taken into consideration the special needs of these targeted groups.
ANC structures have to be at the forefront of championing transformation generally and in the community at large.
The policies of the movement are entrenched in the Constitution and fundamental policy documents governing our society at all spheres of government.
There are inconsistencies and lack of coordination in applying government policy to targeted groups across the three spheres of government and the private sector.
Our protracted struggle for fundamental social transformation requires a focus on targeted groups.
There is a need to broaden the consciousness of society in general about the challenges facing the targeted groups and provide real opportunities for advancing the interests of targeted groups.
There is an uneven development of structures/units dealing with targeted groups across spheres of government.
Procurement and tendering practices should favour targeted groups.
There is need to strengthen the progressive structures, build relationships and play an active role in promoting peace and stability in SADC;
The present electoral system ensures representation of targeted groups.
In SADC we should set an example in terms of the SADC Declaration which states that there should be a greater representation of women in public and private sector.
Protracted wars in Africa have the greatest negative impact on the targeted groups.
Our country in partnership with other progressive countries should play a meaningful role in the establishment of gender machinery in the AU.
All progressive thinking people from various sectors who aspired to see South Africa liberated from all forms of oppression have contributed and will continue to contribute towards the complete liberation of our society; and
There is a need to ensure food security and good nutrition.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
There are specific intervention instruments and programs that have to be developed and implemented in order to integrate these sectors into the mainstream of social development.
Addressing the specific needs of these groups stands at the centre of our effort to build a better life for all. To establish the new South Africa as a caring society, the empowerment and affirmation of these groups is critical to ensuring a people-centred and people-driven transformation;
A massive education campaign is necessary for targeted groups and broader society to make them aware of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the constitution of the democratic Republic of South Africa;
The recent developments on the continent such as the adoption of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development – creates opportunities to formulate appropriate responses to the problems faced by targeted groups on our continent.
There is a need for dedicated structures that address the needs of the targeted groups across the spheres of Government.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
ANC structures must ensure the mobilisation of the different targeted groups within its ranks, and work with their sectoral organisations and NGOs.
Special emphasis should be placed on intensifying education and communication campaigns for broader society about the challenges and problems faced by the targeted groups.
We must set up and promote cooperatives and other developmental initiatives aimed at the targeted groups, including broader economic empowerment through measures such as affirmative procurement targets in favour of these groups.
There must be skills development for the targeted groups to benefit from tendering and procurement aimed at the economic development of the targeted groups.
There is a need to strengthen coordinating, monitoring and performance mechanisms and evaluation, across government departments and all three spheres of government. In this respect it is the task of the Presidency to continually assess levels of integration, and conduct annual reviews on budgeting and programmes. This should include key performance indicators and monitoring processes to ensure improved, effective and humane service delivery to all target groups.
We must accelerate training, literacy programmes and access to education for targeted groups.
We should ensure harsher sentences for those who are found guilty of abuse of the various targeted groups.
Programmes should be further developed and strengthened to ensure food security and good nutrition.
We should ensure the establishment of structures in Mayor’s Offices addressing the needs of the targeted groups especially at Local Government level.
ON WOMEN
NOTING:
The efforts of the ANC to translate its commitment to non-sexism into practice in various government and organizational policies and programs, ensuring that the Strategy and Tactics document integrates and mainstreams the issues of gender equality and women’s emancipation.
That the criminal justice system remains insensitive to the plight of abused women and to domestic violence;
That there is a need for consistent action to empower women, particularly rural women, with information on polices and legislation with regard to their empowerment.
- The ANC’s 50th National Conference on programmatic aspect of the eradication of gender oppression, which included the following:
- The role of the ANCWL and the need to strengthen it;
- Introduction of one third quota in all structures of the ANC;
- Building a broad national women’s movement;
- Strengthening the gender machinery in government;
- Action against violence women and maintenance violations; and
- Calling for a review of all discriminatory customs, traditions and other practices that are oppressive to women.
- Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) is a continental organisation that should continue to address the plight of women in Africa and it needs to be strengthened and transformed.
AND FURTHER Noting That:
Despite the introduction of the one-third quota representation in all structures of the organization, there continues to be some resistance to implement this decision.
The ANCWL still has the critical challenge to provide leadership to the broadest spectrum of South African women.
BELIEVING THAT
The Constitution of our country and our policy framework on gender provides a platform to intensify gender transformation at all levels; and
The one-third representation is still not sufficient to address the question of gender transformation at all levels.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the ANC should continue to build a strong ANCWL.
To reaffirm the ANC 50th National Conference resolutions focusing on the programmatic aspects of the eradication of gender oppression.
To design a comprehensive strategy on our programme to build a non-sexist society and provide a guide for the integration of gender in all aspects policies and programmes.
That the one third representation of women in all structures of the movement should be seen as a minimum, to be progressively increased in order to match the demographic profile of SA, coupled with political education and capacity building programmes.
That the gender machinery and mechanisms should be strengthened and be consistent at all levels of the public and private sectors.
That necessary legislation must be looked at to ensure one-third representation of women in all legislatures
That capacity building and skills development be actively pursued through the relevant skills development institutions and structures including SETAs.
That the ANC must play a critical role in accelerating efforts to building a national women’s movement.
That the NEC strengthens disciplinary measures in the ANC to address the issues of sexual harassment, abuse and violence against women, children. In addition the NEC should establishe a special committee under the National Disciplinary Committee composed of gender-sensitive persons to deal with such offences.
That the Sexual Offences Act must be finalised as a matter of urgency.
To take forward discussions with a view to effect amendments and changes to Customary and religious practices, including laws that govern the right to inherit which are inconsistent with the Bill of Rights and other laws of our country;
To explore the establishment of a developmental women’s fund and strengthen initiatives such as the Malibongwe Project to assist with creating an enabling environment for those women at the bottom end of the economy.
That PAWO must be transformed and restructured in order to meet the current challenges women face on our continent such as those identified within the AU and NEPAD. The ANC further reaffirms the decision of our 50th Conference to host PAWO and to support the holding of PAWO conference in SA.
Encourage the ANCWL to develop a structured relationship with the Office on the Status of Women and the Commission on Gender Equality at national and provincial levels, through programme that aims to reduce the impact of poverty on rural women based on the principles of sustainability and empowerment.
Target specific programmes to bring rural women into the mainstream of the economy.
ON YOUTH
Noting That:
The resolutions adopted at the Mafikeng Conference of the ANC with respect to youth remain valid and correct.
There has been limited progress with the implementation of these resolutions, especially with respect to the National Youth Service programme to address the socio-economic challenges.
The youth are still a constituency that is largely unemployed and out of school; and are vulnerable to crime, substance abuse and diseases which can be as a result of poor lifestyles.
To adequately and comprehensively address the challenges facing youth development requires that we strengthen youth institutions such as the National Youth Commission, South African Youth Council and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, that we improve co-ordination between these structures and ensure that they function as an integrated whole;
Youth development is not fully integrated in most government departments and other broader society structures, in particular local government level;
The present education system does not prepare the youth adequately to enter the mainstream economy;
There is insufficient access to finance for the youth to establish SMMEs and to further their education;
There are problems experienced with unregulated circumcision practices and the impact on the health of young people that attend such.
There is a disturbing trend of low participation of Youth in elections, especially first-time voters.
- The Youth has responded and continues to respond to the HIV/AIDS campaigns
AND BELIEVING THAT:
The participation of the youth in the political, social and economic life of the country is key to strengthening and enhancing the culture of democracy.
Youth must be mobilised to play an active part in the process of reconstruction and development.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC should pay urgent attention to the implementation and monitoring of youth programs;
The National Youth Service Program must be speedily implemented in order to create hope among youth and enhance their employability,
An integrated sustainable youth economic participation strategy be developed and implemented urgently to change the situation of the youth in an integrated manner for sustainable livelihood;
The ANC must assist NYC and SAYC to fulfil its developmental objectives and programmes.
The ANC must ensure enhanced implementation and monitoring of the programs adopted with regard to youth employment and skills development and announced by the President during the State of the Nation Address,
The proposed legislation on cooperatives should cover the specific needs of youth,
The preferential procurement policy must be reformed and amended to benefit youth enterprises and links with big business for skills development and markets, as well as sufficient access to finance and resources.
The ANCYL must forge relations with progressive youth NGO’s.
The South African Aids Youth Programme must be strengthened and provided with leadership and be in line with the National Health Policies
The youth intervention on HIV and AIDS must raise awareness and focus on prevention, disease management, home-based care, food security and provision and support,
We should support the mobilisation of youth volunteers through the Youth Service Corps launched by the Progressive Youth Alliance and other similar initiatives to encourage young people to do community service.
Capacity must be built for health-workers and caregivers dealing with youth health services at youth centres to ensure that they are friendly to youth.
The ANCYL should strive to increase the participation of young women in politics, sports and recreation and also other spheres of society.
We need to establish programmes that would cater for the youth during school holidays such as school camps.
To take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and healthy environment for practices such as circumcision, including working with the relevant cultural structures, through legislation, regulation and training, with due consideration for the health of the youth involved and protecting the sacredness of traditional practices.
Encourage the establishment of Youth Desks/Units within all municipalities
Mobilise young people against crime, to volunteer to assist the police and to ensure the implementation of a youth justice system that seeks to rehabilitate young offenders.
The ANC should develop programmes that address the needs of this sector with the Youth League playing a central role
The monitoring of all Youth institutions, especially Umsobomvu Youth Fund to ensure the effective utilization of available funds.
ON CHILDREN
Noting That:
Provisions such as free health care and immunization to children under the age of 6, have benefited the poor children.
By December 2003 all children eligible for the Child Support Grant should have been registered.
There is provision of nutrition programmes to children at primary schools.
Children with disabilities in many cases end up in sheltered projects with no meaningful socio-economic opportunities.
There is substantial progress being made to put in place a policy and legislative environment to protect and advance the rights of children, such as work in progress in the Integrated Child Care and Child Justice Bills, and in the provision of early childhood development and affordable, compulsory education.
Investigations of the Parliamentary Task team on sexual abuse of children are continuing.
South Africa is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
AND FURTHER Noting That:
Children must not be denied access to education on the basis of affordability, disability or social conditions.
Improved services provided by the SAPS (Child Protection Unit).
The education system has been deracialised and integrated in particular for the benefit of children.
Social disintegration and breakdown of the family, the impact of poverty, substance abuse, neglect and HIV/AIDS, are leading to larger numbers of children being orphaned or in distress.
BELIEVING THAT:
Child abuse is a scourge in our communities and that domestic violence needs to be vigorously combated.
Some parents abuse the child support grant by.
Drug and substance abuse continues to be a major problem in our society,
There needs to be effective utilization of nutrition schemes and projects.
Orphans and children in distress should ideally be provided for by family or in their communities, with support from government and other social institutions and we should as far as possible move away from institutionalisation.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That the ANC should be a champion for the rights of children, especially the girl-child.
That the community must play a role to protect children.
That the ANC must play an active role in civil society structures.
To review the age limit for child support grant to cover children up to the age of 14 years.
That people who abuse children must be given harsher sentences and we should engage the Department of Justice on the possibility of publishing lists (“Shame List”) of sexual offenders of children.
That the role played by SGB’s in determining schools fees should be reviewed, as should the methods of recovery of outstanding school fees, to ensure that no child is denied access to a school on the basis of parent’s financial status.
To ensure that the necessary measures are taken so that children with disabilities have access to education facilities
- To endorse recommendations from the Parliamentary Task group on sexual offences against children, in particular:
- The shift from curative to preventative measures in the protection of children;
- Strengthening of legislation to protect children, including defining sexual abuse as a distinct form of abuse that requires a direct response from government and society;
- Ensuring an integrated response from government agencies working with children by considering for inclusion in the new children’s legislation a basic basket of preventative and protective services that government must make available;
- That the new children’s legislation must be clear about the responsibilities of certain categories of professionals to report abuse or suspected abuse;
- Strengthen the criminal justice system to protect children and prevent abuse; and
- Raise community awareness of the effects of abuse on children and the services available to assist in the protection of children.
Work with communities, families, cultural and religious institutions to protect the rights of children born outside of wedlock.
Strengthen the implementation of the National Plan of Action for Children, including the development of provincial and local plans of action.
ON THE ELDERLY
NOTING:
That the ANC has improved the socio-economic situation of the elderly in our society by improving their social grants, access to health care facilities and protection.
That, nevertheless, the elderly are still vulnerable to all forms of abuse and neglect and are taken advantage of by their family members, relatives and even public servants. Usually, when such abuses happen, the elderly do not know how, where and who to report this to.
Most government funded old-age homes are in former White suburbs and not easily accessible to Black communities
The difference in the qualifying pensionable age for men and women,
AND BELIEVING THAT
Bank service fees, to the elderly who choose to use these facilities, are a deterrent.
Access to social workers remains a challenge.
Some elderly people are being neglected and abused by family members, relatives and those who sometimes pretend to help them, including service providers, corrupt officials and micro-lenders.
There is need to explore the establishment of Day-care Centres and Social housing villages for the elderly.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC must take a lead in creating a caring environment for the elderly.
Our society must be educated on the rights of and respect for the elderly.
The system that provides poor and inhumane services for the elderly must be transformed.
There is a need for the integration of homes for the elderly across racial lines.
Communities must be encouraged to speak for the elderly, particularly where there are incidences of neglect and abuse.
Elderly applicants for houses and essential services must be prioritised and placed ahead in waiting lists.
We should review the retirement age to ensure that the pensionable age for female and male is not discriminatory.
The ANC must take the lead in implementing the recommendations contained in the Department of Social Development’s Report on the Abuse of the Elderly.
- We should consider the establishment of Offices of the Elderly within the offices of the Presidency and Premiers.
ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Noting That:
The Integrated Disability National Policy (IDNS) is in place.
The Office on the Status Disabled People (OSDP) has been established in the Presidency.
People with disabilities are now receiving state support through disability grants.
South Africa is has among the highest number of MP’s with disabilities in the world, and provides these MP’s with necessary support in relation to their needs.
We are still faced with the challenge of ensuring greater representation and participation of people with disabilities, especially at the level of provincial and local governments.
We acknowledge progress made in ensuring accessibility of buildings, especially government buildings, to the disabled.
Generally, the public broadcaster is not sensitive to people with disabilities, especially the deaf.
AND BELIEVING THAT:
Access to public transport remains wholly inadequate and inaccessible, especially in rural areas,
Progress has been made to ensure accessibility of government buildings, but more needs to be done
Access to private sector buildings should also be improved.
Lack of employment for people with disabilities remains a serious problem.
Children with disabilities are still discriminated against, particularly in schools.
Access to medical devices and assistive technology should be improved.
THEREFORE RESOLVES THAT:
The ANC should continue working with progressive civil society organisation such as the DPSA.
We should improve services to people with disabilities, especially in the rural areas.
Special consideration must be given to accommodate the people with disabilities within poverty reduction and economic empowerment programmes.
We must engage in campaigns that will ensure that all people who qualify to benefit from the disability grants are registered and receive their grants.
The ANC must lead a campaign to ensure that the public transport system as well as government and public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities.
We must ensure the effective integration of disability in all our policies and programmes, and the establishment of appropriate structures.
We must advocate for the adoption of a SADC protocol on disability.
Specific programmes must be developed to bring people with disabilities into the mainstream of the economy and public life.
The ANC must take steps to increase the number of people with disabilities on our candidates lists for the 2004 General Elections.
The ANC must encourage the IEC to work towards the development of a Braille Ballot Paper for future elections
We must create an enabling physical and moral environment within the structures of the ANC, which encourages people with disabilities to fully participate in the political life of the organisation.
The ANC should play a central role in the African Decade for the Disabled.
The ANC must advocate for increased accessibility to medical devices and assistive technology
Derogatory names given to sports teams of people with disabilities, such as “Amakrokokroko”, must be done away with.
BUILDING THE ANC
NOTING:
- The continuing relevance of the 1997 National Conference Resolution on Building the ANC and the NGC resolution on the ANC as an Agent for Change and Building a New Cadre, as well as the important tasks these resolutions set out for the ANC,
AND FURTHER NOTING THE CONTINUING CHALLENGES OF:
Sustaining and strengthening the mass character of the ANC.
Ensuring the implementation of our cadre development policy as a means of sustaining the revolutionary culture and traditions of the movement among new generations of cadres and members.
Enhancing organisational democracy and discipline,
Strengthening the Leagues of the ANC, giving leadership to the struggle for women’s emancipation and assisting the Youth League in increasing its mobilization of youth in all sectors of our society.
Maintaining and enhancing the unity of the Alliance and ensuring that the historic relationship continues in the implementation of the important tasks of the National Democratic Revolution;
Building a broad movement for national transformation that draws together democratic forces in a range of sectors and unites them in this important task that is led by the ANC.
Supporting the ANC’s efforts to remain the largest mass political movement in South Africa.
Achieving an overwhelming and decisive victory in the 2004 and 2005 elections.
AND BELIEVING THAT
The responsibility for transforming South Africa into a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous society remains the primary task of the ANC and that the organization must devise effective mechanisms and programmes that enhance its ability to achieve this;
ANC structures, particularly branches, are crucial components in the implementation of our programme of transformation
The continuing development and implementation of our cadre policy as elaborated at the National General Council in 2000 will ensure that members are able to carry out the roles and responsibilities that are expected of them.
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
To reaffirm its commitment to further implementing the 1997 Conference Resolution on Building the ANC and the NGC resolution on the ANC as an Agent for change. On the Mass Character of the ANC
That the ANC Branch remains the primary vehicle for maintaining and enhancing the mass based character of the ANC and for the implementation of the campaigns and programmes of the ANC.
That Ward Based Branches, as unifying entities of the ANC, have been a welcome sign of progress in strengthening the mass character of the ANC. Ward based branches are the best form of branch structure despite the problems that have been noted by conference.
That the NEC should formulate guidelines and a framework that will assist in implementing the sub-branch or unit system in a manner that ensures that these structures remain accountable to the branch as the basic unit of the organization.
That, in order to carry out the important task of mass mobilisation, branches must be provided with resources that will support them in establishing an infrastructure to better carry out their work.
That the administrative procedures for the allocation of the branch portion of the membership fee must be improved.
That the NEC must urgently review the current implementation of the membership system and ensure that membership cards are issued timeously and that the procedures do not negatively impact on the ability of branches to recruit new members. The system should allow for members to join the organisation once and to annually renew membership only through the payment of subscriptions and not through application and issuing of new cards.
That cross-boundary areas pose tremendous organizational difficulties for branches and should therefore be abolished so that all branches and regions in a municipality should fall under one province. On Cadre Development
That a coordinated and coherent programme of cadre development and empowerment should be elaborated and implemented for all structures of the organization, especially the branches. The programme should begin with the induction of new members and executive committees and should include a political history of the ANC and the Alliance in order to ensure that all cadres become informed and rooted in the culture and traditions of the movement. In this regard we note that the induction programmes undertaken since the 1997 National Conference have been focusing largely on regional and provincial leadership, with little or no impact on branch structures.
That the NEC should provide training material and programmes that will ensure practical implementation of the cadre development policy.
That the programme of cadre development should incorporate vital lessons drawn from ANC guideline documents such as “ANC as an Agent for Change” and “Through the Eye of the Needle”.
That all branches should become involved in policy implementation and that all elected representatives should be deployed to assist branches in developing the ability to monitor implementation and to support communities in accessing social services and other benefits of transformative legislation.
That all branch executives should be required to determine annual programmes of action that are aligned to national programmes of action and that have a local content that supports community development and participation.
That the ANC should intensify political education for the Leagues.
That induction should also be provided for all new members during the period of provisional membership On organisational democracy and discipline
That the ANC should ensure that it continues to attract principled and committed leaders and members into its ranks.
That all ANC structures should be mindful of the guidelines “Through the Eye of the Needle” when identifying and electing leaders of the ANC.
That leaders should be required to be accountable and should understand that their primary responsibility is to uphold and advance the interests of the people of South Africa and to strengthen the ANC as an organisation.
That any deviations from the established norms of the organization and the encouragement of populism, factionalism and division within the ranks of the ANC must be dealt with decisively and speedily by the organisation. RECs and PECs must be seen to act when branches alert them to problems and not allow the development of a belief that there is favouritism or tolerance for ill-discipline on the part of certain members.
That all structures of the ANC should operate in a manner that is democratic, accountable and transparent. Members of the ANC should experience the democracy of the organisation through being active participants in all its deliberations, its decisions and activities. Open debate and discussion within the structures of the organization must be encouraged and fostered so that all members recognize that the culture of democracy within the ANC provides no room for ANC members and leaders to engage in criticism outside ANC structures. On the Leagues
That the ANC should continue to provide support to the ANCWL in its efforts to continue to play a central role in defending and advancing the rights of women in the ANC and in society as a whole.
That the ANCWL should pursue and further develop concrete programmes for achieving women emancipation and the development of women.
That community-based initiatives of the ANCWL that enhance the eradication of gender discrimination and erode poverty must be given priority by the ANCWL and support by the ANC.
That the ANCWL should continue its positive role in leading campaigns against the abuse of women and children
That the ANC commits all structures to supporting the ANCYL in its important work of youth development and reaffirms the ANCYL as a significant part of the drive to address the challenges confronting youth in South Africa.
That the ANCYL should be supported by the ANC to strengthen its ability as an organ that prepares youth as future cadres of the movement.
That political education programmes should include youth development and the gender question.
That all ANC branches must ensure that they assist in the establishment of ANCWL and ANCYL structures and provide ongoing support to these structures.
That the ANCYL should be encouraged and assisted in building strong relations with SASCO and COSAS and ensure that large numbers of students are drawn into its ranks. On the Veterans of the ANC
Conference endorses the policy conference proposal that steps should be taken to effectively utilise the veterans of the ANC as a resource for the organisation. Branches should also incorporate veterans into their programmes and make them a core part of education on the ANC.
Conference resolves that the NEC, PECs and BECs should seek regular reports from veterans on their programmes and progress. On the Alliance and the Broad Movement for Transformation
That, noting the continuing importance of ensuring a close working relationship between the Alliance in pursuit of national transformation, the NEC should ensure the implementation of the proposals of the Ekurhuleni Summit, which seek to enhance co-ordination between the structures of the Alliance;
That the key tasks of the Alliance are the achievement of the objectives of the NDR and the reconstruction and development of South Africa, and that the ANC remains the leader of the Alliance;
That the Alliance should develop a coordinated political programme, including joint campaigns and political education programmes that will support the achievement of the objectives of non-racialism, non-sexism, democracy and transformation of South Africa.
That the ANC should develop a programme that will support a process of establishing relationships with progressive NGOs and organs of civil society in the continuing effort to create a broad front for transformation. ANC cadres should actively participate in the civil society structures and utilize them as the arena of asserting the hegemony of the ANC.
To reaffirm the important role of SANCO in advancing the objectives of people-centred development and that the ANC should, therefore, strengthen its relationship with SANCO. On Strengthening the Organisational Design of the ANC
That the incoming NEC should conduct a review of the organisational structures of the ANC and to oversee the implementation of any innovation that the NEC believes will enhance and strengthen the organisation and it’s functioning. The NEC should report on action taken in this regard to the next NGC.
That the incoming NEC should also develop a detailed implementation strategy for the realization of all the 51st National Conference Resolutions.
2004 NATIONAL ELECTIONS
NOTING:
The tremendous success achieved by the ANC in the 1999 and 2000 elections.
The need to ensure that this success is maintained and increased in 2004 as a means to continue the ongoing programme of transformation
THEREFORE RESOLVES:
That preparations for the elections should begin immediately and that the main focus of the ANC in the year 2003 should be to continue and intensify Letsema campaign and to deepen the involvement of branches and members in ensuring access to service delivery.
That ANC branches should form the core of this mobilisation campaign and community engagement in development programmes in the year 2003 and 2004;
That the NEC should provide briefing documents and popular communication that highlights achievements of the ANC since 1994 and that indicate the progress of transformation in the decade of freedom led by the ANC;
That ANC public representatives should immediately participate in the election campaign by leading the process of voter registration and application for ID documents. MPs, MPLs and Councillors should link their constituency work to the election programme and preparations for intensification of the campaign in 2004 and the ANC constituency offices should be utilized effectively to execute and implement campaigns.
Statements
Conference Update
Discussion Documents
Media in a democratic South Africa |
International Relations |
The ANC and the challenges facing the African continent |
Targeted groups: Women, Youth, Disabled, Children and the Elderly |
Peace and Stability |
Infrastructure development |
Transforming the state and governance |
Economic transformation |
Social Transformation |
The Balance of Forces |
Strategy and Tactics |