Key Takeaways
- The African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has urged party members to refrain from using patronage or money to sway the results of the internal leadership elections.
- The party is set to elect a new leadership structure, which will steer the organisation in Johannesburg for the next three years.
- Lesufi has warned that using money to influence the outcome of the internal election could have devastating consequences for the organisation’s future.
- The public’s declining trust in the party is fueled by corruption, leaders flaunting their wealth, and sheer incompetence.
- The ANC regional elective conference is expected to start voting at around 4pm on Thursday.
Introduction to the ANC Regional Elective Conference
The African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has made a passionate plea to party members in Johannesburg to conduct the internal leadership elections fairly and without the use of patronage or money. This comes as the party prepares to elect a new leadership structure, which will steer the organisation in the city for the next three years. The election is set to take place on Thursday afternoon, and Lesufi has urged members to think about the party’s future as they prepare to vote for new leaders.
The Importance of Fair Elections
Addressing delegates at the conference on Wednesday night, Lesufi emphasized the need for fair elections and warned that using money to influence the outcome could have devastating consequences for the organisation’s future. He stated that all members of the ANC must vote for who they think should lead, without being swayed by external factors. Lesufi’s comments come as the party faces a number of challenges, including a decline in public trust. The diagnostic report presented by Lesufi highlighted corruption, leaders flaunting their wealth in front of impoverished communities, and sheer incompetence as key factors contributing to this decline.
The Consequences of Unfair Elections
Lesufi’s warning about the use of money to influence the outcome of the election is significant, as it highlights the potential consequences of unfair elections. If party members are swayed by external factors, such as money or patronage, it could lead to the election of leaders who are not truly representative of the party’s values and goals. This, in turn, could have devastating consequences for the organisation’s future, including a further decline in public trust and potentially even more severe consequences. Lesufi’s comments suggest that the party is at a crossroads, and the decisions made at the regional elective conference will have a significant impact on its future.
The Need for Collective Action
Lesufi’s comments also highlighted the need for collective action within the party. He urged members to think about the party’s future and to work together to address the challenges it faces. Using the metaphor of a sinking ship, Lesufi emphasized the need for members to put aside their differences and work together to save the party. He stated that "we are inside a ship and it’s sinking at a faster rate. Instead of all of us collectively deterring how to save this ship, we are squabbling amongst ourselves about who the owner of this ship is. You can be the owner, but as long as it’s in the belly of the sea, it’s meaningless." This comment highlights the need for unity and collective action within the party, and the potential consequences of failing to address the challenges it faces.
The Road Ahead
As the party prepares to elect a new leadership structure, the road ahead is uncertain. The outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the party’s future, and it is crucial that members make informed decisions about who should lead the organisation. Lesufi’s comments have highlighted the need for fair elections, collective action, and a focus on the party’s future. The voting process is expected to start at around 4pm on Thursday, and the outcome will be closely watched by party members and the wider public. The election of a new leadership structure provides an opportunity for the party to reboot and refocus, and it is crucial that members seize this opportunity to shape the organisation’s future.