Ruling African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule on Tuesday said the party backs the work of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which has revealed shocking allegations against some of its members, however, the party reserves commentary on the committee’s work.

Magashule was reporting on the outcomes of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) lekgotla, which was held from Sunday to Monday.

Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi recently implicated high profile ANC members in the acts of corruption while testifying at the Zondo commission.

“The lekgotla also discussed the ongoing and startling allegations at the Zondo commission. The ANC reiterates its support for the work of the commission, and again calls on ANC members and all citizens with information, to avail themselves to the commission to assist with its work,” he said.

ELECTIONS

On the upcoming elections in May the NEC said it was pleased with the successful launch of its manifesto and election campaign, which saw President Cyril Ramaphosa visiting areas around Durban earlier this month.

“The lekgotla reaffirmed that an inclusive economy is the top priority of our manifesto, as 2018 saw one quarter of a technical recession; the devastating impact of fuel prices and VAT increases on the population, especially the poor, despite mitigating interventions; and the debilitating effects of the high levels of unemployment on young people,” Magashule said in a statement.

The NEC noted progress in some areas and acknowledged mistakes in some critical areas.

The ANC says it is ready to write the next chapter in South Africa’s history by focusing on transforming the economy to serve the people, health and education; peace and security, with a focus on building safer communities, gender-based violence and preventing crime; strengthening governance, fighting corruption and turning around local government; social cohesion, nation building and comprehensive social security; and building a better Africa, and promoting global cooperation, peace and multilateralism. 

The ANC also encouraged young and first time voters to apply for their IDs and to fetch unclaimed IDs from Home Affairs so that they can register to vote during the registration weekend – 26 and 27 January.

ECONOMY

The lekgotla said it has received reports on work in progress on the decisions of the Jobs and Investment Summits, as well as the Economic Recovery package announced by the President last year.

“The 2019 manifesto builds on this work, with emphasis on more jobs and decent jobs; broadening ownership; sustainable land reform; addressing excessive economic concentration; investments; industrial strategy; the digital revolution; small enterprises, cooperatives, township and village economies; diversification of the financial sector and a macro-economic framework in support of the manifesto commitments.”

The NEC lekgotla also emphasised its call for lower data prices, to enable citizens and businesses, especially young innovators and entrepreneurs, to participate and lead in the digital revolution. 

Meanwhile, the ANC resolved that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) would remain independent and said SARB must pursue a flexible monetary policy regime, without sacrificing price stability, and ensure that monetary policy takes into account other objectives such as employment creation and economic growth. 

Around the Eskom crisis, the lekgotla had received recommendations from the Presidential Panel and had requested that stakeholders, especially trade unions, be consulted on the recommendations.

“The ANC will continue with its programme of renewal and unity, winning back trust, as we urge our people to renew our mandate when we go to the polls in May this year,” said Magashule.