The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape is gearing up for its long-awaited elective conference over the weekend, with a focus on addressing internal discord within the party.
The conference, set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, is anticipated to be attended by more than 700 delegates. This gathering will mark the first time in eight years that the party will elect a provincial leader.
On Wednesday, the ANC released its conference discussion papers. During a media briefing, Nobulumko Nkondlo acknowledged that the party’s position in the province is currently at its weakest in over a decade.
Nkondlo stated that the ANC would address internal challenges that have contributed to the party’s weakened position, such as weak structures, low membership, and the loss of activists and public servants who have become disconnected from their communities.
She further explained that discussions at the conference would focus on tackling problematic issues within the organization, including the influence of money in politics. Additionally, there would be talks on organizational renewal, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and finding resolutions to the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the people.
The discussion documents released encompass various topics. One paper will delve into the political economy, examining issues of spatial justice, economic inequality, and separate developments. Another document will explore voting patterns in the province and highlight the top priorities for voters based on research and surveys.
The main purpose of sharing these discussion documents is to foster extensive deliberations among ANC members deployed by various branches to the conference. These discussions will cover policy matters and organizational concerns, allowing members to express diverse perspectives and generate a set of solid proposals that will serve as a blueprint for the new provincial executive committee in charting a renewed path forward.
Nkondlo emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as equal access to healthcare, quality education, and housing for all residents. She also stressed the need to amplify the voices of marginalized communities lacking basic services like electricity and clean water. Resolving the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, as well as promoting unity beyond racial, class, and gender disparities, are among the other crucial matters for the conference to address.
The battle for the chairperson position is expected to primarily involve Richard Dyantyi, current ANC leader in the provincial legislature, Cameron Dugmore, and senior government official Justin de Allende.
Out of the 700 attendees, 650 delegates will represent branches, regional executive committees, the interim provincial committee, and the ANC’s leagues. The remaining 50 delegates will include guests from alliance partners, fraternal organizations, and other stakeholders.
One of the ANC’s top seven national officials is anticipated to open and close the conference.
The conference aims to prioritize formulating a plan to diminish the Democratic Alliance’s majority below 50% on the party’s agenda for the weekend.
