A bullish President Cyril Ramaphosa finally got the ANC 55th national conference underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg following delays in the registration of delegates and disagreements within the outgoing National Executive Committee on issues such as outstanding disciplinary cases including those flowing from recent attempts to force him out of the top post.
Ramaphosa, who is seeking re-election as party leader, warned delegates that failure to successfully implement the party’s so-called renewal project will further alienate voters.
Ramaphosa who campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket blamed the so-called state capture for most of what’s not going right in the country. Ramaphosa said those who benefited from state capture, were actively working against efforts to reform the party.
“We have seen important progress by the Hawks, NPA, Special Investigating Unit, Financial Intelligence Centre, SA Revenue Service and others in tackling corruption. Guided by one of the resolutions of our last Conference, we set up the Commission of Inquiry on State Capture.
“The Commission has produced a detailed and deeply disturbing account of the nature, extent and mechanics of state capture. The Commission’s report revealed extensive corruption, fraud and malfeasance within government departments, state-owned enterprises, provincial governments, security services, law enforcement agencies and both local and international companies”, he said, committing the ANC to a fight against corruption.
“We set up a process to engage with the findings and recommendations of the Commission to determine how these can help to enhance the process of fundamental renewal and rebuilding within our movement as well as in government and broader society.From the deliberations and resolutions of this Conference, we must ensure that we use the work of the State Capture Commission to consolidate and intensify the efforts against state capture, and ensure that those responsible – wherever they may be located – face the full might of the law.
“We know that there will be resistance; but this must strengthen our resolve so we can protect and advance the gains of our revolution”, said Ramaphosa in reference to the so-called 9 wasted years, a period under the Presidency of Jacob Zuma whom he deputised.
The President’s own conduct has come under scrutiny recently with opposition parties and internal adversaries seeking his removal of the Phala-Phala farm scandal.
Ramaphosa is being contested by former Health Minister De Zweli Mkhize and current local government minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who this week voted, in defiance against the ANC, for the establishment of a parliamentary committee to possibly impeach the president.