In a surprise visit to Groutville on Monday, newly elected ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said he was hoping to draw inspiration from Chief Albert Luthuli in getting the party back on track.
Accompanied by his inner party cabinet – and the provincial and North Coast leadership, Ramaphosa visited the grave of former ANC president Albert Luthuli in a move widely seen as an attempt to make friends in the province, which is a Zuma stronghold.
His former presidential rival, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, was also in the group.
Speaking at the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa in Groutville, Ramaphosa insisted that ANC in KZN must be united otherwise it would not do well.
“Unity is not an option, comrades. It is a must. To do well in 2019 elections, we need unity in KZN and if we not united, ANC will be weak. As the president, I say whether you like it or not, you will be united.”
He said the national leadership would return to KZN to work with the provincial leadership to ensure unity.
Ramaphosa’s call for unity was supported by Chief Luthuli’s daughter, Dr Albertina Luthuli, who said it is painful to her and other senior members to see the ANC divided.
“Former leaders succeeded in maintaining unity in the party and the current leadership has a task to ensure the party is united. Please bring back unity,” said Luthuli.
She said that they must keep in mind that, they can not just talk about unity while they are not embracing it.
Ramaphosa’s visit to the province is ahead of the traditional January 8 statement, which this year marks the ANC’s 106th anniversary and it will be delivered in East London on Saturday.
He said the issue of radical economic transformation was ANC policy and it must be implemented in a way that would benefit the people on the ground.
“It did not start now. Luthuli was living it, therefore to those who think we are crazy, we are not crazy. However, it must be done in a way that will benefit everyone not only a certain chosen people.”
Referring to land expropriation without compensation, Ramaphosa said it must be done in a manner that ensured the economy and agriculture were not negatively affected.
“We will ensure that land expropriation without compensation benefits people on the ground. We owe no explanation or apology to any one.”
Regional chairperson of the ANC Ricardo Mthembu, welcomed Ramaphosa and said they are prepared to work for unity in the party.
“We are happy to see national leadership coming to KwaDukuza and we are fully behind you.”
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