By 
Well, based on the dictates of life, change is inevitable, whether we like or not; things cannot go on as they used to for years on end; if we refuse to adopt, change will push us out. As the saying goes, Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones, but a new era was ushered in.
Could the ANC in the Free State be facing a new era?
The ANC Youth League in the Free State Province, well at least some individuals, is determined and unapologetic on their stance to contest the upcoming regional conference. They made it very clear publicly that they will not back down on their programme to bring about change to the organisation.
Their main grievance is that of competency and having dinosaurs in key positions of responsibility who cannot even read. Is that of service delivery and economic development in rural areas. Since there is a lack of generational mix in key positions in the province, the youth league decided to take the bull by its horns.
The timing of this happens during election year and might reflect as if the ANC is divided, a house with rebellious kids. However, the points raised by the league are valid as they have expressed that this is not about positions, rather about servicing the people, having competent leaders in the organisation.
I personally believe in a youth led organisation that will bring fresh ideas, energy and gives assurance of continuity and hope to its community. The era of being appointed into key positions based on struggle credentials has expired and is no longer relevant. With the ANC sharing national power in the GNU, its future is hanging in the balance, the national elections were a warning shot that the party’s popularity is dwindling.
According Ipsos, the ANC is becoming a rural party; its support base in urban eras is eroding; if they do not take care of their support base in rural eras they will lose them as well. There needs to be a generational mix in their leadership, where you mix new fresh ideas and energy with organisational or institutional memory and experience to make a smooth transition.
Education is important, basic training can be provided for leaders to assist them to at least understand the basics and be able to read for meaning. I must confess, as a journalist there were times I personally became worried about the future of municipalities hearing a Mayor delivering a speech but could not even read, it felt like listening to a grade two learner.
Not all is bad within the ANC, there are very competent individuals from the older generation, however, it is not a good sight to see people who are beyond retirement age still holding on to power refusing to hand-over the baton. They tend to hold on to old ways of doing things forgetting that the world has changed, some old ideas are no longer relevant.
It brings confidence to see and hear people talk about things they are knowledgeable about, people who can bring change in the lives of people, people who can inspire hope and are reliable. The older generation has ran its course and need to be appreciated. They need to be kept around to give guidance and stability and not be discarded.
As young people vie for change and a seat at the table, they need to keep some of the older generation around for their expertise and wisdom.
Whatever the ANC is doing, the nation is watching; as much voter support has declined, the ANC remains the only trusted political party within most black communities. How they handle this challenge will determine their influence on communities and the province at large.
