By The African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State province says it has learnt vital lessons from its past mistakes that led to a divided ANC, the party says it has learnt the profound lesson on the importance of coherence and united organisation.
The Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the Free State, led by its Chairperson Mr Mxolisi Dukwana held a PEC meeting on 21 July 2024, at Kaizer Sebothelo Building in Bloemfontein, where the party had a look at itself in the mirror and discussed pressing issues in the party.
The meeting was attended by the party’s leagues and the convenor of deployees Cde Febe Potgieter. Though the ANC in the Free State retained the province, but its performance at national level declined drastically and failed to obtain an outright majority, which led to a Government of National Unity (GNU) guided by Statement of Intent signed by all parties composing the GNU.
The PEC showed support for the new Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and her Executive Council.
“We are confident that the collective led by Cde Maqueen will reconnect government with the people and ensure provision of basic services is improved in our municipalities. The PEC will therefore provide the necessary support to the Premier and her Executive Council. This collective will be guided by the six priorities of ANC Manifesto as a commitment made with the people of the Free State and South Africa,” said Polediso Motsoeneng, the ANC Free State Secretary.
The PEC reflected on a number of issues, including governance in the province, the behaviour of the Youth League following their recent media briefing and allegations facing the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Cde Thanduxolo Khalipha.
The PEC said it discussed at length the principles of step-aside as adopted by the NEC which indicates that “A member, office-bearer, or public representative, who has been indicted to appear in a court of law on a charge of corruption or other serious crime must immediately step aside pending the finalization of her or his case”. The PEC reiterated that at all times the integrity of the ANC should be protected.
“The PEC therefore resolved that Cde Thanduxolo Khalipha should step aside as the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng Local Municipality. The PEC officials will announce the name of the person who will Act as the Executive Major while Cde Khalipa is attending the matter. The PEC officials will further determine the level of his participation on organizational activities.
The step aside rule should not be seen as a punishment but rather an opportunity for a member to attend to allegations leveled against him/her separate from the organization. Once the member has been cleared of the allegations the organization will take the appropriate steps,” said Motsoeneng.
The PEC further expressed it disappointment at the Youth League for their ‘unpalatable behaviour’ whereby they called for Cde Manyatso Mahlatsi to step down from his MEC post and be replaced by one the youths during a media briefing.
“It is regrettable that the ANCYL in the province opted to canvass their views for inclusion of youth in the Executive Council through media and by lamenting COSATU and Cde Monyatso Mahlatsi in particular. We view this as unpalatable behaviour and uncomradetly. Historically the relationship between the youth and workers has been a cordial relationship as a result we were taken aback by the utterances of the YL towards the worker’s organization.
The PEC has directed the ANCYL to retract its statement and apologies to COSATU. Our relations with COSATU it’s a progressive historical relation. We continue to enjoy cordial relations with COSATU and where challenges exist they are not insurmountable and will be addressed within the provided political platforms,” said the Secretary.
