By Simon Nare
The African National Congress has defended its move to reconfigure its national executive committee deployment to provinces, which has seen some senior party leaders moved from one province to the other.
The reshuffling has resulted in some senior members becoming just ordinary NEC members, while others have been promoted to more senior and important committees.
This has been interpreted in some quarters as a demotion along factional lines within the party.
National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said on Tuesday that the decision to reshuffle the deployment of NEC members to provinces and committees was a party rotation system. It was backed by a NEC special meeting that took place on 20 February 2023.
She said the latest deployment rotation was conducted biennially to enhance oversight and strengthen leadership across provinces.
“Additionally, deployments to NEC subcommittees are periodically reviewed to align with organisational priorities and the evolving responsibilities of NEC members serving in government,” she said in a statement.
Bhengu-Motsiri dismissed what she called attempts by sections of the media to create a false narrative of divisions within the movement by ascribing demotions and promotions where none existed.
She added that the process was a normal part of the party’s internal governance and was aimed at enhancing efficiency, coordination and service to the people.
“This is a standard rotational process that ensures effective leadership and oversight. The media has a responsibility to report accurately and develop a better understanding of the ANC’s internal processes instead of fuelling speculation that misleads the public and seeks to sow unnecessary discord,” she charged.
The NEC has also appointed members to standing committees and commissions in line with the ANC constitution, ensuring that these structures continue to fulfil their mandates effectively.
She said all ANC NEC subcommittees were expected to convene fortnightly meetings, alternating with the NWC schedule, to ensure continuous engagement on key policy matters and governance oversight.
“This is a routine organisational process, in line with the ANC constitution, which mandates the NEC to supervise and direct the work of the ANC at all levels, including provincial and local government caucuses guided by Rule 12.2.3 of our constitution,” she said.
She argued that the NEC further had the authority to establish committees and delegate powers as necessary per the constitution’s Rule 12.2.6, ensuring that all ANC structures functioned effectively.
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