By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANCWL in North West has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for the second term as ANC president. The ANCWL Provincial Task Team (PTT) convenor, Bitsa Lenkopane said, they have resolved on this matter during a leadership capacity programme for the PTT and four Regional Task Teams (RTTs) in Mahikeng on Saturday.
The ANCWL PTT program was addressed by the ANCWL National Task Team (NTT) co-ordinator, Maropene Ramokgopa and the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Leadership principal, David Masondo.
“We have discussed broadly as the structure, especially within the principle of collectiveness. As the ANCWL, we are still going to push for a policy posture and we want over 50% representation of women in all upcoming conferences including regional structures.
“Over 50% representation of women, that we are referring to, includes officials. We are very clear on that, as we are going to the ANC 55th National Conference,” Lenkopane said.
She further said, they believe in collectiveness and the ANC vanguard for capacity building, good governance, and fighting corruption. Defiant Lenkopane did not want to dwell too much on the Phalaphala saga.
“We are unable to classify the Phalaphala saga. However, we understand that, this matter is before the law enforcement agencies. So, in an event where Ramaphosa is being charged, and all wrongdoings are being found against him, I think he will do the right thing and also ANC internal processes will kick in including the step-aside policy.
“However, at the moment, we are unable to comment because this is a personal arrangement. The president has not committed any fraud and corruption, so we cannot call it a dark cloud hanging over him until it is well-classified as a crime,” said Lenkopane.
She said, those who say the Phalaphala saga is a ‘dark cloud’ over Ramaphosa are anti-revolutionary and against the ANC. Lenkopane said they see Ramaphosa as a fit candidate for the purpose of bringing stability.
“If you look at ANC previous presidents, they have all served their second term in the office. So, that is where we draw our agenda as the ANCWL. We have also earmarked the co-ordinator of the ANCWL NTT Maropeng Ramokgopa to ascend to the ANC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) position, but is not yet final,” she said.
Lenkopane said, they do not have anything against Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma as they have rallied behind her on previous occasions, however, as the ANCWL, they are not going to talk about individuals, who pronounce themselves outside collectiveness.
“We are not going to talk about those leaders, who do not have a proven track record in compliance in terms of ANC requirements. However, we are going to stick to women leaders of integrity and equal to the task of unity and renewal of the party.
“We have not been clear on the names, but we have agreed as a collective that we will still lobby other provinces. However, at the right time, we are going to pronounce the names. Our main interest is that all five positions on the ANC Top six should be occupied by women.
Meanwhile, the political analyst at North West University, Professor Andre Duvenhage said: “I think the ANCWL in North West has a point because there is no legal decision on Phalaphala saga. What is happening is that the Phalaphala saga is not investigated soon and quickly enough.
“So, I think Ramaphosa is buying time and this might be a political strategy. However, the fact of the matter is that one needs legal prosecution before the step-aside policy can be enforced.”
Duvenhage said the ANCWL is following the same line as ANC North West chairperson, Nono Maloyi. He said this will have a positive impact on Ramaphosa’s campaign.
The Guardian 