In the document “For the sake of our future” the ANC stalwarts called for a consultative conference.

The purpose of this conference is to “…reflect on all aspects of the state of the organisation and prepare for the 2017 National Conference.The Conference will also need to discuss the selection and election of credible leaders – free of blemishes, factionalism and corruption based on the precepts expounded in the ANC document “Through the eye of the Needle”.

The deliberations and resolutions of the Conference should contribute to the leadership that leads the ANC to the next national election.”

When discussing the proposal for a consultative conference both the NEC and the stalwarts agreed that a national consultative conference should take place.