FORMER ANC KZN secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli has thanked 1 225 branches across the country who have nominated him for the powerful position of secretary-general ahead of the party’s conference in December.
Ntuli is leading the nominations for the party’s new secretary-general position, followed by Phumulo Masualle, and Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, who secured enough votes to contest the role.
“Its a great experience, honour and privilege for me to have received support throughout the country … to have been a leading name in five provinces,” Ntuli said.
His first priority and ‘first great moral test’, if elected secretary-general at the party’s December conference, would be to ensure that there is “proper alignment and functioning of ANC structures and how they relate to one another from bottom to top.”
Ntuli, who describes himself as a principled leader, has also vowed to focus the party machinery on producing quality leadership and membership.
He said the governing party has not always succeeded in the past few decades in the production of quality “cadreship” within its ranks.
He added that the ANC now find itself with leaders who are unable to demonstrate sufficient capacity to deal with complex issues of governance and leadership.
“The ANC must be able to produce thought leadership, and be the machinery that produces the best amongst the people,” said Ntuli.
“One joins the ANC today, and shortly after that person becomes a Councilor or MEC, it becomes clear that person is not sufficiently prepared for the role and its inherent responsibilities.”
Ntuli said the ANC was in a crisis and an urgent change was needed before the 2024 general election.
To achieve this, he hopes to strengthen the organisation’s capacity at Luthuli House to do qualitative research and produce ideas to empower its leaders in government.
Ntuli maintained that he is contesting the position based on the support he is receiving from the branches and is not aligned with any slate or faction.
A graduate of International Politcs from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Ntuli said he was prepared to work with anyone who emerges as ANC president at the conference.
The front runners for the ANC presidency include, incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa, and NEC member, Dr Zweli Mkhize.
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