Northern Cape ANC chairperson Zamani Saul addresses supporters in Mothibistad. Photo: Facebook
African National Congress (ANC) Northern Cape chairperson Zamani Saul says those who left the party should return to help strengthen the ANC ahead of next year’s elections.
Saul was addressing ANC members at John Taolo Gaitsewe region in Mothibistad on Saturday.
The governing party had earlier welcomed individuals from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), according to a tweet by NEC member Nonceba Mhlauli.
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“On stage earlier we had EFF members who said they want to come back to the ANC, that’s good for us as we build up for 2024.
“We want our comrades back. Those who left and joined other parties, we want you back. But if we want them back, we need to create a receptive environment in the ANC.
“We must leave the past in the past, and hold hands with them to ensure a stronger ANC.”
Saul is an ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa and was one of loyal provincial leaders who ensured his second-term victory at Nasrec conference last year.
He told supporters that the governing party will win the 2024 general elections.
“Our opponents are smelling blood. Small opposition parties are already meeting over how they will put a coalition government together.
“Nationally, there won’t be a coalition government, because ANC will win elections next year. We are going to get a majority to govern this country.
“The ANC president will be president after the elections. Northern Cape will still have an ANC premier as well,” he said to loud cheers.
The premier urged members to “stop gossiping” and close ranks to focus on the upcoming elections.
“For us to win in 2024, we need to stop gossiping about each other. We have ANC members talking badly about their leaders.
“If you have issues with someone, go to that comrade and tell them how you feel, instead of breaking ranks and gossiping about each other.
“Closing ranks also means we need to defend each other. We also have to stop the lies and tell people what the actual challenges are and what we plan to do about them.”
Furthermore, the ANC is the only party in the Northern Cape with branches in all the wards, he added.
“We are the only party with 236 branches in 230 wards, no other party has this kind of reach in this province.
“We need hard-working volunteers to make use of this reach come 2024.”
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