Gauteng ANC PEC urges Zuma to make the right decision

The African National Congress’s Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has urged President Jacob Zuma to reflect deeply and do the right thing to resolve the unprecedented crisis currently facing the party.

This following the unease in the country following the recent ruling of the Constitutional Court which found that he failed to uphold, defend and protect the Constitution when he failed to honour the Public Protector’s recommendation to repay the excess tax revenue spent in the security upgrade of his Nkandla homestead and also, the party’s National Working Committee’s (NWC) decision to consult widely on allegations of state capture by the Gupta family which among others, revealed their influence in the appointment of some senior government officials.

In a statement from a special meeting Monday 11 April, the PEC said the party which was founded to defend and advance the rights of people had never taken their support for granted.

It welcomed the NWC consultation and engagement processes with its constitutional structures, alliance partners and sectors of society and would coordinate a programme to consult widely especially with the branches.

While it noted and accepted the public apology of President Jacob Zuma it added that the apology was a beginning to dealing with the political damage and mistrust caused by the mismanagement of the Nkandla matter. It noted that the party already paid a prize during the 2014 elections, due to the anger of the electorate on this and other matters. This, required the party to engage in deeper introspection and take far-reaching decisions to repair its damaged image and for it to continue to enjoy the confidence and trust of the people. It urged members to exercise maximum discipline by actively participating in the internal consultation process whose outcome will be discussed with the national leadership.

It further noted that its leadership in society was earned through the struggles and sacrifices of its members and supporters over generations which, should prompt President Zuma to reflect and do the right thing to resolve the crisis.

Details: Sixolisiwe Ngele on 078 182 1403