ANC deputy president shakes hands with the ANC KZN provincial chairperson ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile with ANC provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma in Pietermaritzburg. Picture: Supplied
ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile stated that the meetings held by the party’s national leadership with the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provincial Executive Committees are not a prelude to disbanding them, but rather part of a strategy to regain lost ground.
He emphasised that KZN cannot be blamed for the poor electoral showing of the ANC in the recent national general elections.
Mashatile visited Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday and engaged with traditional authorities and community members.
Mashatile’s visit coincides with the ANC’s election campaigning in Ward 2, where by-elections are scheduled for next Wednesday.
The ward councillor position became vacant when the IFP expelled former councillor Sibusiso Ntuli last month.
Mashatile arrived at Mpumuza Royal Palace, Ward 2, for a brief meeting with Inkosi Khethokuhle Zondi of the KwaMpumuza Traditional Council in Pietermaritzburg.
This visit, the party said, confirms the ANC's determination to maintain strong relations with traditional leadership institutions.
“Overall, we did not perform well as the ANC, as you know we received 40 percent of the votes. We do not want to blame KZN, Gauteng, or any other province. We are reflecting as the national leadership, and we are reflecting together with them. That is why we met with the leadership of KZN and Gauteng,” he stated.
“The purpose of the meeting was to reflect on what could have gone wrong and what needs to be done. We see this period as a time for recovery and regaining lost ground without blaming one another. I know many people were saying we are calling these provinces because we want to dissolve the PEC. That is not the case; we are not dissolving anyone. We are engaging and coming up with plans. Because it is holiday time, we will give ourselves time to reflect on the reports we have received as leadership. The National Working Committee (NWC) will meet next year after January 8 to review the reports.”
He also spoke on the recent wins by the ANC in different by-elections across the country.
“The ANC in KZN and nationally is bouncing back in the latest by-elections, showing that the party is regaining lost ground.”
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