Johnathan Paoli
The ANC Veterans’ League kicked off with a media statement, in which, the National ANC Veterans’ League convener Snuki Zikala, confirmed an element previously expressed that the ANC is planning on an “outright majority”, and not interested in coalitions with other parties, especially the EFF.
This follows the contentions surrounding the municipality of Ekurhuleni, among others.
“We share no values with the EFF, their primary role is to oppose the ANC and we fish from the same pond, we don’t agree with them, their principles, traditions, and they don’t mean good for the country,” Zikala said.
Zikalala and Susan Shabangu were on Thursday briefing the media ahead of the start of the conference of the veterans league at Birchwood hotel in Boksburg on Friday.
As an alternative to coalition politics, the conveners confirmed the party line of renewal, especially through amendments to the ANC party constitution.
“In the second (amendment), we are saying there should be strict criteria to admit people who want to join the ANC. We are saying in our constitution those who were involved in criminal activities or have been found guilty by a court of law should not be considered members of the veterans league or neither as members of the ANC because we know that some of our branches have been hijacked by rogues. We have to get rid of those rogues. You cannot have an organisation that has people who are criminally implicated or who are still facing trial. That is one of the constitutional amendments,” said Zikalala.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is expected to open the conference on Friday.
Zikala went on to say that where the ANC has lost in elections, “going to the trenches” would be preferable to any form of coalition and that it was clear citizens have lost faith in the ANC due to poor or complete lack of service delivery.
“We hope as we discuss and debate within the VL, we will set up a council of elders that are able to counsel members of the ANC, based on the fact that none of us is running for elections. Part of the process of disciplining and reprimanding members remains within the role of renewing the ANC.
“It’s still a debate. We need to counsel, we need to assist in the building of the ANC. We are able to come up with corrective and counseling measures. To make sure that the policies of the ANC are strengthened. Making sure we are decisive,” the convener concluded.
INSIDE POLITICS
