Introduction

As reported earlier, the process of provincialisation had been completed by the 1994 conference. All the regions have been launched, but not all have had AGMs. Some branches have also collapsed.

A large proportion of PEC members serve in provincial governments and legislatures, often in key positions. This leaves them too little time to keep in dynamic touch with branches. This has also meant that PECs and other decisionmaking structures often concentrate unduly on matters relating to government and the legislature.

Some provinces have still not implemented the NEC decision that the position of provincial secretary be full-time. This has impacted negatively on the functioning of provincial offices. It has left full-time staff without political supervision and has also impacted negatively on the provinces` participation in national work. This situation cannot be allowed to continue, especially as the election approaches.

With a structure the size of the ANC, there is always room for improvement in communication be it between national and provincial structures, the province and the regions and branches or between the parent body and the Leagues. But this need is most acutely felt by the provincial leadership. A range of methods need to be used, including deployment of leadership – and monitoring of this deployment – better use of information technology and better utilisation of our elected representatives and their constituency offices.

Our most serious weakness undoubtedly is the lack of coordination with local government and the ANC`s elected representatives serving there. Before the formation of SALGA and its provincial counterparts, local government transformation was taking place without the benefit of a national and provincial perspective. Many branch executives are not equipped to provide leadership to local government, but attempted to do so, with disastrous and sometimes destructive consequences.

In some of the provinces the relationship between the PEC and the government and legislature is not satisfactory. This can be attributed to different understandings of the differing roles and interpretations of how the primacy of the ANC`s constitutional structures in governmental matters is asserted.

But it needs to be said that ANC provinces retain their battle readiness. Whenever they have been faced with tasks and challenges, they have risen to those challenges. The manner in which they secured the ANC`s local government successes, the very succesful provincial conferences and the preparation for this conference bears testimony to the fact that the provinces remain the backbone of the ANC`s organisational infrastructure.

KWAZULU/NATAL

KwaZulu/Natal Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Jacob Zuma
Deputy Chairperson Chief Zibuse Mlaba
Secretary Senzo Mchunu
Deputy Secretary Sifiso Nkabinde
Treasurer Zweli Mkhize

1996-Present

Chairperson Jacob Zuma
Deputy Chairperson Sibusiso Ndebele
Secretary Sipho Gcabashe
Deputy Secretary Bheki Cele
Treasurer Zweli Mkhize

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

Two Provincial Conferences have been held – in December 1994 and November 1996. Both conferences were successful in terms of decisions and deliberations.

Provincial General Councils

Six properly constituted Provincial General Councils have been held. In addition, a number of provincial meetings have been constituted to deal with urgent matters, such as the local elections process and peace negotiations.

Provincial Executive Committee

The two PECs which have existed since the last National Conference have in total met 20 times. The current Provincial Working Committee manages to meet almost every week.

The PEC established five commissions and 10 sub-committees for the PEC to function effectively in all areas of organisational work.

Regional Executive Committees

While most of the province`s ten regions were launched in 1995, the East Griqualand and Greater Pietermaritzburg regions were only launched in June 1997 due to political problems in the areas.

The functioning of the regions is uneven, due in part to the concentration of ANC leaders and members in the Greater Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay area, and internal political problems in some regions. Nevertheless most of these regions have each been through three regional conferences.

Areas of work

The local government election campaign was largely successful, with the ANC achieving significant victories in most urban councils in the province. The province put a great deal of effort into securing a peaceful and fair electoral process, and in making inroads into IFP support. As evidenced by the election results, the province could have dedicated more human and other resources to campaigning in the rural areas, where the IFP maintained its dominance.

A large part of the province`s political programme has involved the consolidation of the structures in the province following the amalgamation of the three former regions which make up KwaZulu/Natal. This included the establishment of regions, and the resolution of internal problems in some areas. A key challenge has been the lack of resources at regional level.

The PEC appointed a commission at the beginning of 1997 to develop a Rural Mobilisation Plan to extend the ANC`s support to all rural areas. A provincial rural strategy summit was held, after which rural commissions were established in each ANC region.

The province has been actively pursuing a process to bring peace to the province, including holding discussions with the IFP and developing a comprehensive peace package. This process has brought some level of peace, but needs to be pursued for lasting peace to be secured.

The boundary dispute in the Mount Currie district has occupied the attention of the province for some time. In addition to engaging with structures in the area, and the Eastern Cape PEC, the National Working Committee has been engaged to resolve the issue.

The rationalisation of ANC staff in the province has occupied the energies of the PEC for much of the past year, and has left the provincial office under-staffed.

Relations with other organisations

The ANC and Youth League have managed to integrate their work and programmes well at a provincial level. Though the same cannot be said of regional integration, a programme has been adopted to address this.

Relations with the Womens League have been hampered by the operation of the league structures in the province as three separate regions. Attempts to merge into one provincial structure were at an advanced stage.

The province has a good relationship with Cosatu at the level of meetings and discussion, but has not yet translated that into implementation of a single coherent programme.

Relations with the SACP have been good, particularly on common programmes to organise the East Griqualand and Greater Pietermaritzburg regions.

Relations with Sanco have also been good in the province. Problems experienced at branch level in some areas have largely been dealt with.

The province has not established regular working relations with other political organisations, though briefings are frequently held for MDM formations, business organisations, diplomats, churches and taxi assoxiations, among others. The province has been able to elicit much support from various social and business formations in KwaZulu/Natal for the peace process.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

The province has been submitting regular reports to the NEC, and NEC members deployed to the province have maintained a high visibility. Relations with headquarters have similarly been good, though communication problems were experienced during the staff rationalisation process.

Financial management and fundraising

While the province`s financial management has been sound, its fundraising efforts have not gone well. The only successful ongoing fundraising activity is the stop orders received from councillors.

Evaluation and problems

The province has managed to successfully hold two provincial conferences, and to maintain structures of the movement at branch and regional level. The PEC has managed to adequately implement its political programme.

At the same time, however, the province failed to win support in rural areas or among minorities in the local government elections. It was not able to translate the significant support for the ANC in the province into actual membership. The province also had great difficulty ensuring the safety of people in Richmond following the expulsion from the ANC of Sifiso Nkabinde.

All MPs and MPLs are participating well in the constitutional structures of the ANC. Mechanisms are in place to ensure the input of MPs and MPLs at a provincial and regional level.

Future plans and priorities

The future plans of the province include:

• mobilising the rural and minority vote, and consolidating the urban vote, to win the 1999 elections;
• bringing peace and political stability to the province;
• providing clean government;
• building a strong and vibrant ANC, Alliance and MDM in the province.

NORTH WEST

North West Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Popo Molefe
Deputy Chairperson Malose Lehobye
Secretary Ndleleni Duma
Deputy Secretary Kgotso Kgasu
Treasurer Maureen Modiselle

1996-Present

Chairperson Popo Molefe
Deputy Chairperson OJ Tselapedi
Secretary Ndleleni Duma
Deputy Secretary Joe Selau
Treasurer Maureen Modiselle

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

The province has held one provincial conference since the 1994 National Conference, which produced a detailed programme for the province and produced a focused and able leadership.

Provincial General Councils

Seven PGCs have been held in the province in the period under review. The PGCs were able to deal with all the issues placed before them.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC is providing effective leadership to the province, and is working as a team. Members of the PEC are inconsistent, however, with regard to regional deployment, branch work and PEC sub-committees. As a result, programmes of the organisation are not always implemented effectively.

Regional Executive Committees

The RECs in the 12 regions of the province are generally weak, due to lack of participation by REC members in regional programmes, where these exist. REC sub-committees are not functioning properly, and branches are not being adequately serviced. The lack of resources at a regional level further hinders the operation of RECs.

Areas of work

The provinces`s political programme involves the building of the ANC, strengthening the Alliance and bringing the MDM formations closer to the ANC; and working together with the people of the province to speed up delivery and bring government closer to them.

The province is engaged in a programme, called Operation Sunrise, to strengthen branches and conduct people`s forums. Preparations for National Conference also formed part of the province`s work.

Relations with other organisations

No formal relations exist with other organisations, including MDM formations. An MDM Summit, charged with the responsibility of producing a detailed programme, had to be postponed several times.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

Relations with both the NEC and headquarters have been sound.

Financial management and fundraising

The financial position of the province is sound, having reversed the province`s large deficit from December 1994. Proper financial management has been made difficult by the absence for almost two years of a bookkeeper, and the lack of proper budgeting. The organisation needs to include the question of budgeting into the planning of all political programmes.

The collection of levies from MPLs and Councillors has not been properly managed, and has not yielded much income for the organisation. There has been an improvement in the collection of membership fees, though the embezzlement of membership fees is still a problem.

Evaluation and problems

A key weakness has been the failure to implement programmes in a systematic way. This has resulted in the weak functioning of the Alliance, regional structures and branches, and the decline of membership.

The ANC has also not communicated adequately with the people of the province, particularly around issues of governance.

Future plans and priorities

The province is planning to campaign for the 1999 elections, and to remove all organisational weaknesses before then. The province is planning a major meeting in february 1998 to evaluate the organisation`s performance in government, and develop a programme coming out of the National Conference decisions.

MPUMALANGA

Mpumalanga Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Mathews Phosa
Deputy Chairperson Jacques Modipane
Secretary Solly Zwane
Deputy Secretary January Masilela
Treasurer Ka Shabangu

1996-Present

Chairperson Mathews Phosa
Deputy Chairperson Jacques Modipane
Secretary Solly Zwane
Deputy Secretary Jeri Ngomane
Treasurer Ka Shabangu

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

Two provincial conferences have been held since the 1994 National Conference. During this period the leadership managed to keep the membership informed of all political and economic developments through its structures.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC set up a number of sub-committees, including a Disciplinary Committee, Peace and Stability, Governance and Legislature, Economic Transformation and Social Needs, Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Elections Commission, Political Education, Organising, Drafting and Media, Fundraising and Gender Committee.

Areas of work

The province engaged in a number of campaigns. These included a Masakhane Campaign, an Education Summit, Constitutional Week and events to mark 8 January, 16 June and 9 August. The province has also responded to the eviction of farmworkers and labour tenants by organising marches, challenging court orders and assisting evicted families.

The province has been active in asssiting people who have wanted to make statements to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It has also had to manage some of the problems around the boundary dispute in the Bushbuckridge area. A process to normalise the situation is being undertaken jointly with the Northern Province PEC and the NWC.

Relations with other organisations

The Alliance is functioning well, with the Secretariat playing a key role. The Alliance held a joint economic summit in June this year, and organised a broad MDM secretariat in July.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

The province has a good relationship with headquarters.

Financial management and fundraising

There are relatively effective mechanisms in place to control spending in the province, although political decisions which have cost implications are often taken without due consideration to the availability of funds. Fundraising strategies are taking root in the province, and positive results are expected imminently.

Evaluation and problems

The membership figures in the province have dropped since 1994. Many members are not prepared to renew their membership because their interim structures haven`t become fully-fledged branches. Many members are also not properly involved in branch activities and programmes.

Conflict between constitutional structures and elected representatives at various levels has undermined the process of delivery. These conflicts manifest themselves in many ways, and have their roots in a lack of consultation, poor coordination and power mongering.

The provincial leadership has managed to handle a number of problems affecting the organisation. The organisation is relatively visible in almost all the communities in the province.

The provincial leadership has not always acted in a collective manner, and branches have not been adequately serviced.

Future plans and priorities

The PEC is working on a mechanism to build a strong finance system for the province; as well as on plans to launch branches in white communities and re-launch the provincial mouthpiece “The Congress”.

It has identified as its future priorities the building of a strong ANC, preparations for the 1999 elections and fundraising for the election campaign.

WESTERN CAPE

Western Cape Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Chris Nissen
Deputy Chairperson Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Secretary James Ngculu
Deputy Secretary Manfred van Rooyen
Treasurer Lulamile Xate

1996-Present

Chairperson Dullah Omar
Deputy Chairperson Noma-India Mfeketho
Secretary James Ngculu
Deputy Secretary Marius Fransman
Treasurer Ebrahim Rasool

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

The province held provincial conferences in September 1994 and September 1996.

Provincial General Councils

Three PGCs have been held since the 1994 National Conference.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC meets monthly and the PWC, which began meeting fortnightly, now meets weekly.

Regional Executive Committees

There are 10 RECs, some of which have programmes of action in place. Others do not function properly.

Areas of work

The Political programme of the province during this period included:

• local government elections, in November 1995 and May 1996;
• induction and training of ANC councillors, RECs and BECs;
• anti-crime, Masakhane and other campaigns;
• negotiating the provincial constitution;
• establishment of regional offices and launch of RECs;
• preparing for the 1999 election.

Relations with other organisations

The province has had a harmonious and cordial working relationship with both the ANC Women`s League and Youth League. The PEC is often involved in their programmes, and consultations among the structures take place regularly.

Initially there was some problems with the frequency and attendance of Alliance meetings, which gave rise to a number of organisational problems. There are now regular Secretariat meetings, alliance executive meetings and discussions and debates.

The province is working closely with the Western Cape United Squatter Association, and is developing relationships with other organisations in the fight against crime.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

While there are good relations with the NEC and headquarters, the NEC Provincial Committee is not functioning properly. The attendance of NEC members to provincial tasks has nevertheless been fair.

Financial management and fundraising

The province has not been able to engage in significant fundraising, although financial management, rationalisation and planning has helped to reduce expenditure. A Western Cape debit order campaign has been launched, and the proceeds are being used to fund political work.

Evaluation and problems

The province enjoys good relations with government, particularly the Provincial Legislature. There is effective interaction between the PEC and comrades deployed in the legislature and National Assembly.

One of the problems faced by the province is the fact that the NP is the ruling party in the province, with all its attendant problems.

Future plans and priorities

The main focus of the province is preparations for the 1999 elections.

NORTHERN PROVINCE

Northern Province Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Ngoako Ramathlodi
Deputy Chairperson Joe Phaahla
Secretary Collins Chabane
Deputy Secretary Benny Boshielo
Treasurer Sam Rampedi

1996-Present

Chairperson George Mashamba
Deputy Chairperson Joe Paahla
Secretary Collins Chabane
Deputy Secretary Benny Boshielo
Treasurer Jerry Ndou

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

The province has had two provincial conferences, in December 1994 and December 1996.

Provincial General Councils

Seven PGCs were held during the period under review.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC established a number of committees to coordinate PEC work, including Governance and Legislature, Political Education and Training, Organising, Policy Research and RDP, Finance and Fundraising, and Administration and Personnel. Most of the committees did not function to expectation.

The PEC holds meetings monthly and the PWC meets fortnightly.

Regional Executive Committees

The province has eleven RECs, including Bushbuckridge which was recently transferred to the province from Mpumalanga. There has not been any induction programme for the RECs since they were elected, which has hampered effective functioning in many instances. This has meant that the PEC has had to perform a number of duties which would ordinarily be performed by RECs.

The PEC decided to demarcate sub-regions along the TLC boundaries to allow for proper coordination. PEC sub-committees have been deployed to regions on a six month rotational basis to do political work.

Areas of work

One of the main elements of the province`s programme was the local government elections, where the ANC won 88 percent of the total seats in the province. Training sessions were organised for local government councillors on basic skills of running a local council.

With the promulgation of the new Education Acts, the province initiated a campaign to launch school governing bodies.

A Provincial RDP Council was launched in 1995 with the participation of the Alliance, MDM structures and progressive NGOs. Problems were experienced in convening further meetings however. Two policy workshops were convened to examine the programme of governance and identify policy gaps.

The appointment of a TRC coordinator ensured proper coordination of submissions by ANC members in the province to the TRC.

Relations with other organisations

The functioning of the Alliance in the province was not up to expectation, despite regular meetings of the Alliance Secretariat. Attempts to get Alliance structures at a regional level functioning have not been successful.

There has been a lack of coordination among MDM structures in the province, and no joint programmes have been worked out.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

Relations with the NEC have improved, due to better interaction with the NEC Provincial Committee. The Provincial Chairperson and Secretary have been directed to table detailed reports from the NEC to the PEC.

The question of accountability of provincial staff members, whether to headquarters or to the PEC, remains an unresolved issue. There has also been a lack of coordination between the provincial policy units and the Policy Department at headquarters.

Financial management and fundraising

The province has held a number of fundraising events which have raised funds for elections and conference. A core fundraising committee has been constituted to develop various fundraising mechanisms. The Provincial Finance Committee has however not been able to meet.

Evaluation and problems

Most of the problems in the province relate to governance, which has been one of the subjects of a task team established by the NWC. Other problems related to the boundary disputes in the Groblersdal and Bushbuckridge areas, on which the NEC has taken a decision.

Tensions at a leadership level has necessitated a prolonged presence in the province of the National Chairperson and a team from the organising department together with the NEC provincial committee.

Future plans and priorities

The future plans of the province include:

• intensification of the membership drive and revival of collapsed branches;
• induction of new members and structures through political education;
• improve membership administration;
• intensify fundraising programmes;
• intensify the education campaign;
• preparations for the 1999 elections;
• popularisation of government programmes;
• capacity building within ANC structures on policy formulation matters.

GAUTENG

Gauteng Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Tokyo Sexwale
Deputy Chairperson Mathole Motshekga
Secretary Paul Mashatile
Deputy Secretary Obed Bapela
Treasurer Mohammed Dangor

1996-Present

Chairperson Tokyo Sexwale (Resigned, Sept 97)
Deputy Chairperson Mathole Motshekga (Elected Chairperson, Sept 97)
Secretary Paul Mashatile
Deputy Secretary Obed Bapela
Treasurer Amos Masondo

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial General Councils

The province has held regular PGCs, which have been involved in the development of provincial programmes of action, assessing the Alliance, preparing for Conference and electing a new Chairperson for the Province.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC has been functioning well, with almost full attendance at all its meetings. The issues which the PEC meetings dealt with included local government operation, ANC campaigns, consolidating the Alliance, disciplinary matters, governance and schooling problems in KwaThema. The process for electing a new Provincial Chairperson took up a lot of the PEC`s time during 1997. The PWC, which meets weekly, has been active and its meetings well attended.

Regional Executive Committees

All of Gauteng`s six regions are functional. Members of the PEC have been deployed to sit ex-officio at REC meetings and RGC`s, which has helped to strengthen the regions.

The RECs have been delegated the function of coordinating local government, the respective ANC caucuses and the local council budgets. Some REC`s have begun processes of evaluating the performances of their respective local councils. The REC`s have also been expected to process and administer disciplinary hearings in their regions.

Areas of work

The province has focused on the induction of branches and the establishment of a provincial political education department. Numerous political education and training workshops have been held, and regions have been encouraged to develop their own regional political education programmes.

Preparations for the 1999 elections have begun, and election researchers have been trained.

There has been some focus also on resolving the problems between Sanco and the ANC at a branch level.

Relations with other organisations

The province has established an Alliance Secretariat with the SACP, Cosatu and Sanco, which meets fortnightly. Joint PEC meetings of the Alliance were held twice to discuss political and strategic matters. The Alliance has participated fully in the Policy Workshops and Conferences of the ANC.

The province works mainly with Sasco and Cosas of all the MDM formations. Most of the interaction with these organisations is around organisational problems, particular campaigns of Sasco and with Cosas around the Kwa-Thema school crisis.

At a policy formulation level there have been attempts to interact more with civil society groupings.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

The relations with the NEC are good, although NEC members deployed to Gauteng do not attend PEC meetings or PGCs.

Financial management and fundraising

The province has a Finance Committee responsible for sanctioning expenditure, ensuring the preparation of financial statements for auditing, fundraising and building the financial capacity of structures at all levels. The allocation of funds to regions was not done effectively due to the lack of reports from regions, or attendance at Finance Committee meetings.

Evaluation and problems

The ANC has not taken the lead in mobilising people behind its campaigns and programmes, leaving space for reactionary elements to occupy the streets and influence public opinion. The question of the resources available for campaigns needs to be addressed.

Branches and members are not empowered to engage the public on the programmes of the ANC, particularly in government. This will increasingly become a problem as the 1999 elections approach.

The question of how the ANC selects its candidates for Premier needs to be addressed to avoid problems of having different centres of power. It is also necessary to clarify the role of the Alliance in electing ANC public representatives.

Discipline is a problem within the organisation, due in part to weaknesses in the Constitution and because of the lack of an effective cadre development programme.

Future plans and priorities

The future plans of the province include:

• consolidating the cadre development programme, and turning the ANC`s current membership into activists and cadres;
• strengthen the Alliance and MDM;
• prepare to win the 1999 elections;
• accelerate delivery and transformation;
• mobilise people for a mass campaign on Masakhane and against crime.

EASTERN CAPE

Eastern Cape Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Dumisani Mafu
Deputy Chairperson Mzwandile Masala
Secretary Bongani Gxilishe
Deputy Secretary Mahlubandile Qwase
Treasurer Khuilile Mpahlaza

1996-Present

Chairperson Makhenkesi Stofile
Deputy Chairperson Stone Sizani
Secretary Humphrey Maxegwana
Deputy Secretary Mahlubandile Qwase
Treasurer Noxolo Kiviet

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

Provincial Conferences

Two provincial conferences have been held in the Eastern Cape province. The first Conference did not elect the PEC, as this was done in the three former regions that made up the province.

Provincial Executive Committee

The PEC has functioned relatively well, with some of the NEC members deployed to the province regularly attending PEC meetings. Some of the NEC members have, however, found it difficult to attend these meetings due to time constraints and lack of resources.

The functioning of the Provincial Working Committee has been hampered by a number of weaknesses, including a lack of decisiveness, a lack of strategic planning by the Officials and a failure to work collectively. Steps are being taken to address this.

The PEC established a number of committees, some of which established sub-committees, to look at questions of policy and governance. The performance of these committees has been quite uneven, and has been hampered because some comrades deployed in government have not appreciated the strategic importance of these committees.

Regional Executive Committees

By the time regions were to hold AGMs in 1997, most of the RECs had been severely depleted and unable to hold meetings. The PEC intervened in some of the worst situations by dispatching a task team of organisers to revive branches. Members of the PEC were deployed to regions, but have not been conscientious in reporting on their activities in these regions.

Since the regional AGMs were held most RECs and RWCs seem to be meeting regularly. They tend to concentrate, however, on administrative rather than political issues.

Regions falling under the same district councils boundaries have developed inter-regional fora to address problems and coordination of structures in policy formulation.

Areas of work

The province embarked on three campaigns: anti-crime week, Heroes Week and Constitution Week. It was however not able to sustain these campaigns due to weak Alliance structures and lack of thorough preparation. The province also marked a number of significant days with rallies and other activities.

The province has devoted much attention to the resolution of the boundary dispute in East Griqualand. Meetings with KwaZulu/Natal PEC, as well as structures in the area, have taken place. Further meetings with representatives from the NWC are anticipated.

There have been a number of political education and training workshops for branches, ANC women councillors, PEC members and MPLs.

Relations with other organisations

The Alliance Secretariat meets regularly, and has been involved in the resolution of a number of problems throughout the province. Some of the other issues considered by the Alliance has been the provincial growth and development strategy; transformation of the public service; the state of provincial finances; and an Alliance organising strategy.

Financial management and fundraising

The Finance and Fundraising Committee meets regularly to discuss fundraising strategies and other finance issues. The committee has managed to fundraise for most of the political activities not covered by the allocation from headquarters.

The committee has had to develop mechanisms to address weaknesses identified in the control of provincial finances. Workshops are being planned to empower regions to properly administer their finances.

Evaluation and problems

The number of ANC branches has droped drastically since 1994. This is due to the predominantly rural nature of the province; the lack of a coherent political programme; limited leadership skills and experience; tensions and squabbles; and lack of resources.

This has been accompanied by a drop in membership figures. Reasons which have been advanced for this include poor record keeping; embezzlement of membership fees; complacency among branches once they have 100 members; and perceptions of failures and mistakes in government.

While there has been a general improvement in the participation of MPs and MPLs in constitutional structures, there are areas where ANC public representatives have no contact at all with ANC structures.

Resolving problems in local government has severely overstretched the resources and personnel of the organisation. Some of the problems arise out of a lack of accountability by councillors and the pursuit of personal interests above the interests of the organisation.

There are a number of areas where opposition to the organisation can develop from in the province. New parties are being formed which are seeking to bring together individuals who have had disciplinary problems within the ANC, disgruntled civil servants, former soldiers and certain business people who feel that the location of the provincial capital has disadvantaged them. At the same time, tensions between ANC structures and some traditional leaders are growing.

Although the government intervened to stop the violence in Qumbu and Tsolo, the organisation failed to build on that programme by establishing and reviving its structures.

Future plans and priorities

The province is focusing on building the organisation, and increasing the membership figures, in preparation for the 1999 elections.

FREE STATE

Free State Office Bearers

1994-1997

Chairperson Pat Matosa
Deputy Chairperson Ace Magashule
Secretary Kaiser Sebothelo
Deputy Secretary Anna Buthelezi
Treasurer Aaron Mnguni

1997-present

Chairperson Zingile Dingani
Deputy Chairperson Ben Kotsoane
Secretary Sello Dithebe
Deputy Secretary Baarde Tsoai
Treasurer Doctor Monareng

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

The first Provincial Conference was held in November 1994, which unified the former Northern and Southern Free State regions of the ANC. Out of this Conference emerged a leadership that could not stand together on critical issues facing government and the movement. These problems eventually led to the intervention of the NEC, which agreed with the PEC that it and the Executive Council of the provincial government should resign. A number of comrades in the province were redeployed as part of this process.

In the beginning of the term of office of the PEC there had been some provincial activities, such as the launching of branches and regions and the running of workshops for branch members and leaders. These activities were however badly affected by the divisions which developed with the organisation in the province. The province was immeasurably weakened also by the tragic death in 1996 of its secretary, Cde Kaiser Sebothelo, who was an asset to the movement and the country.

The second Provincial Conference was held in February 1997, after the province had been adminstered for a number of months by a caretaker committee from national office. The Conference elected a new PEC and helped to revitalise branches and regions. Membership figures rose from a mere 8 000 to 28 000.

Since 1994 the province has held three Provincial General Councils. Both the PEC and PWC are currently meeting regularly. The biggest hurdle for PEC members is the present shortage of funds to enable them to be fully utilised in their regions of deployment.

There are 10 RECs in the province, of which three have not been meeting regularly. The PEC set up task teams to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of these RECs. Relations between the PEC and some RECs have been affected by differing interpretations of the respective constitutional powers of the two structures.

Areas of work

The programme of action adopted by the PEC based on Conference resolutions has been implemented to an extent, with over half of the tasks identified already implemented. The PEC`s time and energy is consumed to a large extent by ongoing conflicts in ANC-controlled local councils.

Relations with other organisations

Relations with Cosatu and the SACP are normal. The Alliance meets at Secretariat level and is set to regularise meetings between the Alliance PECs. Relations between the ANC and Sanco cannot assume a structural nature because of the absence of a Sanco provincial structure. There are tensions between Sanco and the ANC at a local and regional level.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

The National Executive Committee has good relations with the PEC, although some NEC deployees are not attending to their deployment. Head Office is working well with the province. Problems persist with the membership allocation for branches, however, despite the matter being raised with Head Office on a number of occassions.

Financial management and fundraising

The PEC has taken note of recommendations from the auditors on the management of finances in the province, and since the 1996 financial statements the situation has improved drastically. The Treasurer`s office is putting in place stringent measurers to curb expenditure.

Since the last Provincial Conference, the PEC has established a fundraising committee, and more fundraising activities are planned to realise the goal of self-sufficiency by the year 2000.

Evaluation and problems

Local government problems still dominate the agenda of the province. The role of RECs, and their powers and functions, are also a problem. Another problem is the underutilisation of resources, especially in constituency offices.

Future plans and priorities

The province intends to:

• make the process of governance more accessible to the people;
• engage new members and even old members through systematic induction and political education;
• conduct programmes and campaigns in concert with the Alliance to launch and actualise a mass movement for transformation;
• change the social composition of the province`s membership to reflect all the social demographics of South Africa.

NORTHERN CAPE

Northern Cape Office Bearers

1994-1996

Chairperson Manne Dipico
Deputy Chairperson Godfrey Oliphant
Secretary William Steenkamp
Deputy Secretary Kenneth Khumalo
Treasurer Modise Matlaopane

1996-Present

Chairperson Manne Dipico
Deputy Chairperson Godfrey Oliphant
Secretary John Block
Deputy Secretary Fred Wyngaardt
Treasurer Dipuo Peters

Functioning of Constitutional Structures

The province held its second Provincial Conference in September 1996, which elected a new leadership and developed a programme of action.

The PEC has met regularly since Conference, and has held two extended PEC meetings to include MPLs, MPs, MECs and Chairpersons of the District Councils. This gave an opportunity for these comrades to receive mandates and input into the programme of the movement.

The PWC has met regularly to implement the decisions of the PEC and guide the day-to-day implementation of programmes and PEC decisions. There are six Regional Executive Committees, all of which have had regional conferences and developed programmes for their specific areas of work.

Meetings of the PEC are held in all six regions on a rotational basis, to assist regions to engage the PEC around regional programmes and build capacity in regions.

Areas of work

The PEC convened an Alliance Summit to focus in issues of governance. This summit set up a sub-comittee to direct deployment of cadres into strategic positions. A provincial skills audit has been done to complement our development strategy.

A Provincial Education Summit was convened to develop a programme for education to strengthen the role of our structures in education transformation.

The PEC has played a key role in helping the Youth League and Women`s League towards their Provincial Conferences, and continues to coordinate its activities to strenthen both leagues organisationally and politically.

Relations with other organisations

A number of meetings have been held with Sanco, and the province has agreed to assist them towards launching a fully-fledged provincial structure. The SACP does not yet have a full provincial structure, although some discussion have taken place on a joint programme. A joint committee has been set up with Cosatu in preparation for a Provincial Alliance Summit.

The Youth League has been tasked to interact with Sasco and Cosas to ensure they are built and strengthened.

Relations with NEC and headquarters

The province has good relations with headquarters and regularly receives feedback and assistance. The matter of NEC deployment to the province has been an ongoing problem, which has not yet been resolved.

Financial management and fundraising

The province has established a trust to oversee all properties and assets of the movement. The Finance Committee is responsible for fundraising and advises the Treasurer on main patterns of expenditure and income.

Evaluation and problems

The province has been able to progress well with regard to its programmes, although it will require substantial reinforcement from headquarters and the NEC to proceed effectively.

Future plans and priorities

The province plans to strengthen its capacity with regard to overall performance and elections. The support from the NEC needs to be concretised with regard to NEC members deployed to the province.

The province will be holding a Provincial Summit on governance in January 1998. The aim of this summit will be to formalise the action plan for the year and focus on key issues for the election, as well targets for delivery for the various government departments.