The ANC is warning of possible unrest if the economy does not start growing and transforming soon.
The party identified economic decline as part of things that led to its rather dismal performance in the recent national and provincial elections which saw it lose its parliamentary majority, securing only a little over 40 percent of the votes.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered an opening address to the ANC’s NEC Lekgotla on Sunday which is held back to back with an ordinary National Executive Committee meeting which started on Thursday.
Ramaphosa told the meeting that the country’s economic situation was a ticking time bomb and the ANC’s ability to reverse its electoral decline is entirely dependent on it turning around the economy to ensure much needed employment.
“Over the last three days, the NEC has deliberated extensively and in detail on the reasons for this dramatic decline in support, its implications and the actions we now need to take to restore our support within society.” said Ramaphosa.
“At the heart of our recovery programme should be a clear strategy on how to ensure economic growth that is inclusive and creates jobs,” said Ramaphosa.
On Saturday the party’s Head of Political Education David Makhura made a similar observation warning in particular right wing parties such as the Democratic Alliance and big business that they too will not be spared if the masses revolted against the political system that they believe is responsible for the economy that’s not serving them.
“These 22 million South Africans who are eligible to vote but choose to not do so have lost confidence in the democratic system and the economy that is not benefiting them by among others not creating jobs. No political party should ever think that they will survive if this disgruntled majority decide to one day overthrow the system,” said Makhura adding that a planned Codesa style national dialogue expected to be convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa which will involve a range of stakeholders to address what the ANC refers to as the “national question”.
Ramaphosa said the ANC also needed to expedite its renewal process in order to win back the hearts and minds of South Africans who voiced their loudest rejection of the liberation movement during the May 29 general elections.
Priorities in the renewal process is the implementation of strict disciplinary measures including the so called step aside rule and a fight on corruption in the public sector.
The ANC has been found wanting on discipline with factions running amok and those expelled going on to start their own parties which have been taking support from the party.
“We can’t compromise on discipline. We have to show our people that we are serious about renewal and that we won’t tolerate factionalism, corruption and any other negative tendencies,” said Ramaphosa emphasising that the ANC will have to use the platform of the Government of National Unity to drive positive change.
The ANC recently expelled its former leader Jacob Zuma who in December denounced the liberation movement and started campaigning for newly formed uMkhonto Wesizwe party which went on to win more than 2 million votes and pushed the ANC to below 50 percent.
Zuma has dismissed the disciplinary hearing held against him insisting on a face to face sitting and is expected to fight his expulsion from the party.