Breaking: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers ANC birthday address
- President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the ANC on its 109th birthday and took the opportunity to focus on four areas
- He said that the ANC would focus on recovering from Covid-19, economic recovery and the party's credibilty
- Ramaphosa warned that those who were found to be in violation of the law would not be protected by the party
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President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a speech to mark the party's 109th birthday, however, it wasn't all smiles and laughter.
Ramaphosa outlined four areas in which the government would prioritise in 2021. This included the Covid-19 response, economic recovery, and restoring the party's credibility.
He warned that the party had suffered significant reputational damage through the actions of individuals and its leaders.
Source: Facebook
He said that the ANC had been, "weakened by corruption... and by its leaders. There is a danger that internal conflicts can consume un and detract from the work we need to do."
Basic income grant
Ramaphosa addressed the public employment programmes which had begun with the targeting of "marginalised groups of society."
The basic income grant has come under the spotlight in terms of its viability, which would need to be discussed.
Credibility
Ramaphosa said that the ANC's credibility had suffered and that the ANC would no longer protect those who were implicated in wrongdoing.
He warned that those who were involved in crime who did not follow the internal policies would be suspended.
The president took the opportunity to warn members not to bring the party into disrepute and if they did the party would not tolerate it.
Ramaphosa's January 8 statement had a clear message, "... unity cannot be used to shield those involved in wrongdoing grom being held accountable."
He reminded members that the national executive committee (NEC) had adopted a resolution which required accused members of wrongdoing would have to report to the integrity commission or face disciplinary measures.
Covid-19 recovery
Ramaphosa said that the African continent needed to address Covid-19 recovery and that the ANC would work towards restoring international trade and economies.
He said that the party would have to advance the governance across Africa as there are still ongoing conflicts taking place.
The president took the opportunity to pay tribute to those who had lost the battle with Covid-19. He called on the ANC to keep the ideals that inspired struggle veterans alive.
Solidarity
Ramaphosa called on the party to rebuild itself and remain true to the founding principals of the ANC.
He cautioned that there was still a lot to do and warned that internal conflicts within the party could become a major distraction from the important work that needed to be done.
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that the ANC is currently celebrating its 109th anniversary on Friday, with the party's top dogs taking to social media in an attempt to spread the cheer.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula lauded the movement as a beacon of hope in the country:
"To the oldest liberation movement in the African continent, the beacon of hope for the oppressed, disadvantaged and economically excluded, happy birthday to the ANC."
Head of Digital Communications in the Presidency, Athi Geleba, insisted that the ANC lives on:
"Happy birthday to the oldest and largest liberation movement on the African content. The glorious movement of President Oliver Tambo! The ANC Lives! The ANC Leads!"
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Source: Briefly News
