Media Statement

Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme House: Today, I attended a historic meeting that has undoubtedly strengthened the alliance and ensured that we emerge stronger and united.

I wish to pay tribute to the Secretary General of the African National Congress, Cde Fikile Mbalula, General Secretary of Congress of the South African Trade Unions (COSATU), Cde Solly Phetoe, President and General Secretary of the National Union of Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU), Cde Mike Shingange, Cde Zola Saphetha and NEHAWU office bearers for their bold leadership and display of unity.

The meeting served as a reminder that the alliance was established solely to advance the National Democratic Revolution and as a trusted shield of the working class.

During our frank exchange of ideas and debates. I remembered that over the years the alliance stood firmly behind the programme of the ANC-led government, and that workers paid ultimate price during the dark days of apartheid in defense of the revolution and the African National Congress.

The alliance partners have continued to offer advice, guidance, debate, and challenge different aspects as a contribution to strengthen the alliance and improving service delivery to the masses who matters the most.

Today’s meeting was no different.

In particular, the meeting was convened to normalize relations between the ANC in KZN and NEHAWU.

This follows public spats involving the Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KZN ( myself) and NEHAWU.

These started as a result of a public statement I made in Kokstad during a public event for senior citizens responding to the criticism directed at the African National Congress due to its participation in the GNU. Though such statements were made at the NEHAWU Political School, were not necessarily made by NEHAWU.

After a thorough political discussion and wise counsel from the ANC Secretary General and General Secretary of COSATU, I wish to unconditionally apologize to NEHAWU, its leadership and entire membership. I wish to unreservedly withdraw these statements which created an environment of mistrust and unnecessary provocative.

The spirit of today’s meeting gave me a distinct impression that this matter, which has created so much excitement, especially for those that wished for the alliance to die, will now belong to the dustbin of history. The most important lesson learned is that mistakes committed in the course of struggle for social transformation should be internalized and never be repeated.

In the ANC-led alliance, there are millions of members, and it is natural to anticipate that there will be many different views on any matter, but as the ANC Secretary General advised in the meeting, ANC leaders must never be hostile to constructive criticism.

Each member is important precisely for the unique contribution they bring to the debate and life of the alliance and individual organizations in the alliance. Matters are discussed thoroughly to allow for the best point of view and the most logical position to emerge as espoused by the majority of participants in that platform or structure. This is what prevailed today.

In conclusion, I wish to affirm my commitment to work for the unity of the alliance and to further the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution.

Aluta Continua Victory is Certain.

Ends

Issued by the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal

Enquiries

Cde Bheki Mtolo
ANC Provincial Secretary
081 875 2841

Cde Mafika Mndebele
ANC Provincial Spokesperson
27837835164