The ANC is hoping its foundation phase political education course will improve the conduct of its members and improve the party’s fortunes.
The party launched the course during its national executive committee meeting held in Boksburg on Monday and said the move is part of several initiatives aimed at renewal.
The course is the brainchild of the principal of the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Politics and will be compulsory for leaders and members to attend as well as to complete.
President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the launch and said the foundation course would help in the party’s renewal process.
Ramaphosa said party veterans were key to the success of the course and the entire renewal process.
Among the veterans at the meeting was former President Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe who had a short stint as caretaker president.
“They (ANC stalwarts) were part of the illustrious generation that birthed our freedom, and we cannot but be mindful that we are witnesses to the passing of an era. An era of leaders who were prepared to sacrifice their lives, their livelihoods and the comforts of life for the freedom of our people. And yet we know that it is incumbent on us to borrow of their light, to draw lessons from their lives and to learn from their example,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa said Motlanthe held his first job as the Education Officer for the National Union of Mineworkers was among experienced cadres who can be relied on to pass the knowledge on.
Ramaphosa said the ANC needed to act speedily in regaining the confidence of the masses.
“We cannot but put this plainly. Support for the ANC has declined. Our mandate to govern has grown narrower. The trust deficit between us and the people has widened. The ANC is facing a crisis of authority, of legitimacy and of trust, “ said Ramaphosa.
The May general elections was a rude awakening for the ANC which had been losing support during successive elections but suffered the worst blow that saw it lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since taking over the country in 1994.
The foundation course has been made compulsory for anyone wishing to join or lead the ANC and teaches the basics of politics particularly society expect from the party and its members including values that they should internalise.