JOHANNESBURG - ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member Nomvula Mokonyane says the only way for the party to remain on course in pursuing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), is to deal with issues that affect the ‘motive forces’.
“The rural poor, the urban poor, the black middle class, the unity of black and white South Africans, the economic emancipation of our people, youth development, and most importantly, building an integrated and united nation,” are areas she said the ANC is focusing on.
She was speaking ahead of the second day of the ANC’s national general council is taking place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg.
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Responding to criticism that the ANC’s renewal project is moving too slowly, Mokonyane said the focus should not only be on pace but on “form and shape”.
She explains, “The form and shape is that the president is the champion of renewal. In his political report, he went at great length, accounting for what the renewal commission has reflected upon, has been able to do, and put the recommendations that are now being discussed.”
For Mokonyane, renewal has to start with the ANC.
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Pressed on how the party plans to uplift the lives of South Africans, despite losing its outright political majority, Mokonyane insisted the ANC is “reawakening”.
“Since that fateful day in 2024, we are winning more elections — even in constituencies that never voted for the ANC,” she said.
She pointed to gains in the Northern Cape, where the ANC claims to have won wards traditionally held by the DA.
“The work happening in that small province shows progress.”
She added that the ANC’s transparency at the NGC, including publishing its base document and midterm report for the public, reflects renewed accountability.
“We reported to the people of South Africa with transparency and accountability.”