"A report was received at the meeting on preparations for the conference. It was found that preparations were on track and that the University of Limpopo in Polokwane would be ready to host this important conference from December 16-20." Among the matters to be discussed by the NEC was the conference programme.

The conference would open on December 16 with the presentation of the president's political report as well as the Secretary General's organisational report. It would also include the Treasurer General's financial report.

The conference would close on the morning of December 20 with the adoption of the conference declaration and the closing address by the incoming ANC President.

There will be approximately 5000 participants, consisting of 4075 voting delegates, 425 non-voting delegates, 130 observers, and 300 guests.

"The NEC noted the hard work that has been underway for several months to ensure that the conference, the largest in the ANC's history, will be a success," Ngonyama said.

He said the NEC also considered a number of proposals for amendments to the ANC constitution. Most of the proposals arose from the outcome of discussion at the June Policy Conference on 'Organisational Renewal'. "These proposals have been distributed to ANC structures for consideration ahead of the conference.

Among the key amendments proposed are for: A quota of not less than fifty percent of women in all elected structures; the establishment of the ANC Veterans League -- open to all ANC members 60 years older who served the ANC over an unbroken period of 40 years; the inclusion of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans' Association in the Constitution -- as an association reporting to the Secretary General;
the extension of the term of office for Provincial Executive Committees from 3 to 4 years, Regional Executive Committees (RECs) from 2 to 3 years -- and Branch Executive Committees (BECs) from 1 to 2 years; and lastly the appointment of a National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal.

"The meeting agreed there had been significant progress in the transformation of society over this period and important gains in improving the standing and popularity of the ANC among the people.

However, it also acknowledged important challenges and shortcomings, with respect to the operation and coherence of the NEC. "The meeting agreed that these matters will be among those reflected in the political and organisational reports to conference," Ngonyama said.