Ramaphosa warns of threat to the alliance's 'unity, cohesion'

THE SACP’s decision to contest elections separately threatens the unity and cohesion of the Alliance, says ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

He said recent by-elections have shown the “unintended consequences” of causing divisions among the motive forces.

Ramaphosa made the remarks at the party's National General Council (NGC) on Monday, calling on party members to end internal conflicts and reconnect with voters through door-to-door campaigns, which he said were not properly done in the build-up to last year's elections.

The NGC, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, is the party's mid-term gathering to review its health and programmes. It comes as the ANC faces the prospect of contesting against the SACP in next year’s local government elections. 

The SACP announced plans to withdraw from the alliance (which include the ANC and Cosatu) citing the ANC’s “arrogance” and refusal to take the alliance seriously. The ANC’s decision to include the DA in the Government of National Unity was another reason SACP wanted to sever ties with the ANC 

In his address, Ramaphosa said: “The revolutionary and strategic Alliance grew out of struggle, out of a shared commitment to the liberation of the oppressed masses of our people. The unity of the Alliance remains critical for the successful pursuit of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), especially in these times when progressive ideas and values are under constant attack.” 

Petty political squabbles must end and the renewal process of the ANC must triumph for the party to return to its former glory, he said.

"The renewal of the ANC must be reflected in our everyday behaviour, in how we conduct ourselves and what we post on social media. Let us be known for excellence, ethics, humility, hard work, and competence...Renewal requires that we reaffirm the organisational culture and traditions of the ANC as a movement rooted among the people, representing their interests, concerns, and aspirations," he said.

Ramaphosa said people were not able to connect with ANC leaders, which could have contributed to the poor showing at last year's national elections, where, for the first time, the party failed to garner a 50% majority of the vote.

"We did not do vigorous door-to-door, and as a result, we saw so many people staying away from the polls. In part, it was largely because they had never been touched by the ANC visiting their homes. We must therefore, as we approach the next local government elections, ensure that we go back to basics. We must then go back to what has made us a strong organisation," he said.

Cape Times