City of uMhlathuze Mayor Speaks on Cabinet reshuffle
Debate rages after the recent reshuffling of the national Cabinet. City of uMhlathuze Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo, who is also ANC Deputy Chairperson of the Musa Dladla Region, in his personal capacity shares his views on the prescribed processes within the ruling party
SOUTH Africa is currently trapped between what could be described as an intractable present and irrecoverable past : that is to say, between things that are no longer and things that are not yet.
The Cabinet reshuffle by the President has created anxiety and some confusion in certain sectors of society.
The reaction by different groups may also be fuelled by inconsistent messages emanating from ANC national officials.
Paragraph 40 of the ANC document titled, ‘Through the Eye of the Needle’ states: ‘An individual with qualities of leadership does not seek to gain popularity by undermining those in positions on responsibility. Where such a member has a view on how to improve things or correct mistakes, he/she states those views in constitutional structures and seek to win others to his/her own thinking. She or he should assist the movement as whole to improve its work, and not stand aside to claim perfection out inactivity’.
Anything other then what this seminal document of our movement says constitutes a grave betrayal of the revolutionary tradition the current generation inherited from President Oliver Tambo and his generation.
The conduct of current national officials and former leaders of our movement must always be judged and assessed on basis on what this important document of our movement demands of those in leadership positions.
In a democratic state this reaction can be expected as people have a right to agree or disagree with the decisions taken by the Head of State in line with the Constitutional imperatives relative to powers and functions of President.
Best interests
However, the leadership of the National Democratic Revolution must always handle every development in a manner that reinforces the confidence of the masses of our people, rather than self-promotion.
Acting in the best the interests of the African National Congress and masses of our people, the National Working Committee (NWC) convened a special meeting to rein in conduct that was inconsistent with the traditions of the organisation.
Some issues dominating public discourse include an alleged failure by the President to consult regarding the proposed reshuffling of Cabinet.
This has again been clarified by the Special NWC that the President engaged with the national officials way back in November 2016 citing irretrievable breakdown of trust and relationship between the President and the former Minister of Finance.
It is imperative to reiterate that the President has the powers entrusted by the Constitution to appoint members of the National Executive.
Section 92 (1) of the Constitution clearly states, ‘the Deputy President and Ministers are responsible for powers and functions of the Executive assigned to them by the President’.
It is now acknowledged that the primary reason to release Comrade Pravin Gordhan was as a result of irretrievable breakdown of the relationship between the President and the former Minister.
However, in taking the decision to reshuffle Cabinet, the President acted within the confines of the Constitution.
Riding on the wrong notion relating to some ‘failure to consult’ which created a dangerous impression that the President acted on the basis of some directive from some business people, the legendary opponents of the ANC mobilized society against the ANC.
The impact of the conduct displayed by some of the national officials is yet to be acutely felt by the movement as whole. But the ANC is older than problems and will, once again, triumph against this difficult period since the 1994 democratic breakthrough.
President’s prerogative
It is true the ANC’s 52nd National Conference resolution states that ‘the prerogative of the President, Premiers and Mayors to appoint and release members of the Cabinet, Executive Council and Mayoral Committees should be exercised after consultation with the leadership of the organisation’.
In some instances this process of consultation is misconstrued as if it means ‘reaching consensus’.
In a big, diverse and complex organisation like the ANC, comrades have different views and aspirations. However, once a decision has been taken it is in the interest of all members to support that decision as part of a collective.
It is important to emphasise that all deployees of the ANC appreciate the fact that they serve at the behest of the ANC.
As clearly articulated by the Special NWC, the ANC remains the key strategic centre of power which must exercise leadership in pursuit of the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
The comrades appointed to Cabinet have the necessary capacity and skills to manage their portfolios diligently.
On the Fiscal Policy we are satisfied that the Minister of Finance, Melusi Gigaba has reaffirmed the ANC’s position that ‘National Treasury will work within the fiscal framework as agreed by government and parliament and that there will not be any reckless decisions on spending’.
This statement clearly elucidates the known and standing principle that the ANC is driven by policies, not individuals, and deployed comrades must implement ANC policies.
The ANC needs to vigorously focus on radical socio-economic transformation to address poverty, unemployment and inequality.
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