Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal South African National Civic Organisation Youth Congress (SANCOYC) said it had noted political developments in the province and the country and decided to share its views on the nominations of national leaders, particularly Dr Zweli Mkhize for president.
SANCOYC is a structure of the young dwellers, mentored by the leadership of the South African Youth National Civic Organisation (Sanco).
SANCOYC co-ordinator Thulani Gamede said they had noted the announcement by ANC KZN, as mandated by the branches of the ANC, of their preferred leaders as we head towards the 55th National Conference of the ANC, the leader of the alliance.
“We wish to single out Cde Dr Zweli Mkhize – who is preferred overwhelmingly by branches in eThekwini and other regions,” Gamede said.
“We believe that Dr Zweli Mkhize is the most matured leader, who over the years, played an important role in ensuring the unity of the alliance in this province. This is the role he performed exceedingly well as the treasurer-general of the ANC.
“In addressing socio-economic challenges faced by this country, there is a need for a leader who will work with alliance partners, ANC structures and leaders of society behind one programme of action. That leader is Dr Zweli Mkhize,” Gamede said.
He said they acknowledged the enduring work of both Mkhize and Sanco secretary-general Cde Richard Mkhungo.
Gamede said Mkhize and Mkhungo ensured that as a civic organisation, a crucial ally of the alliance, Sanco is actively involved in pursuing the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution.
“Critically, Dr Mkhize pioneered peace initiatives involving leaders of political parties during his tenure as ANC provincial chair and premier of the province of KwaZulu-Natal,” Gamede said.
He said the multi-party committee, which provincial secretary Cde Bheki Mtolo has suggested must criss-cross corners of the province were introduced by Khabazela. It ensured quick resolutions of conflict within political parties, those involving different political parties and those in society in general.
“It is for the above reasons that we invited Dr Zweli Mkhize to be a keynote speaker during a safety and security for peace in our community meeting held last night (Tuesday) at Ramalinga Hall, in Isipingo. Though he could not attend due to other engagements, we appreciate his message delivered on his behalf.
“Indeed, as young dwellers, we accept Dr Zweli Mkhize’s message that each individual, each organisation or grouping, each community, each leader and each political party has an important role to play in ensuring that an environment is created such that the fight against crime becomes effective,” Gamede said.
The Daily News reported that KZN ANC defended picking ANC “backers“.
Mtolo said they were not fixated on any position or particular line-up. People know that in 2018 here in our province those of us who supported Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma teamed up with those who backed Ramaphosa and we elected one leadership so a lot of things have changed since 2017.
Mtolo also defended the province’s announcement on its preferred candidates while branches were still busy nominating candidates. He said they understood that there would be branches which would nominate different candidates to the ones announced by the province, but the overwhelming majority would back the provincial selection.
The provincial secretary was quick to add that the positions were not cast in stone, but open to persuasion by various provinces since it was a national conference.
Daily News