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President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken a tough stance on the current state of the ANC and the corruption allegations that continue to haunt the party.
The party’s National Executive Committee (CNE) met over the weekend to discuss some of the key political issues facing the country, with the president noting that the party had apparently failed to live up to its promise to hold corrupt leaders accountable which was done just three months ago.
“We describe our position as a ‘line in the sand’, representing our collective determination not to give ground in our fight against corruption.
“Now, just three months later, there is growing concern within society and among our members that this leadership is not committed to the decisions made by the NEC and our national conference.”
Ramaphosa said the NEC has received no fewer than five legal opinions on the so-called “step aside” resolution and whether the ANC could force members to step aside if they face serious corruption allegations.
The president said that it was the ANC’s job to unite society, and that it can begin to do so by respecting its own decisions and exercising its “revolutionary political conscience.”
At war with himself
Ramaphosa also recognized the lack of unity within the ANC itself, with the divisions most pronounced at the leadership level.
“These divisions are manifesting not only in our structures, but in public displays of dissent and discord,” he said.
“In recent times we have witnessed statements and actions that are alien to the practices, culture and values of the movement. More and more we seem like an organization at war with itself. “
The president said that unity within the party is essential to achieve a “radical transformation” in the country, but also warned that it cannot be used as an excuse for corruption.
“Unity is not about closing ranks, it is not about accommodating or tolerating corruption, wrongdoing or poor discipline.
“Unity cannot be used as an excuse to turn a blind eye when some of us undermine and denigrate the revolutionary ideals of our struggle.”
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