ANC political school gives hope: Motlanthe

Dumisani Dube

Picture: Dumisani Dube

The ANC's political school had created renewed hope of fulfilling Walter Sisulu's legacy, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said on Sunday.

“When we evoke such an iconic name as that of comrade Walter Sisulu in terms of political education of our cadres, we are really re-igniting his legacy as well as continuing in the movement's great tradition,” Motlanthe told about 600 political education students from the Walter Sisulu Leadership Academy, at a graduation ceremony.

Sisulu was African National Congress deputy president from 1991 to 1994.

Motlanthe described it as a programme of political education for ANC members in Gauteng. Modules in the year-long course include organising skills, the history of South Africa and of the ANC, ANC strategy and structures, and tools of analysis.

The ceremony was held at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto campus.

“The curriculum that we learn at the political education school should equip us with the intellectual and political tools not only to develop a deeper understanding of history but, most importantly, to change society.”

Motlanthe encouraged graduates to take being ANC members seriously.

“A cadre is a frame that is used to keep old photos and posters in shape and it prevents them from bending and breaking... You should be the same for the ANC,” said Motlanthe.

One graduate, Vusumuzi Shabangu, said he would now give back to his community.

“I will go back to my people and share with them what I've learned. This programme was great because it just broke all the misconceptions that I had of the ANC.”

ANC Gauteng chairman, Paul Mashatile said the programme would help graduates address problems people faced.

Mashatile said the ANC had in the past had members without theoretical training, which posed a danger.

He also highlighted the importance of rejuvenation.

“A renewed ANC must come out of Mangaung. Renewal includes the renewal of leadership. We must come back from Mangaung with new leadership,” Mashatile said.

He was referring to the ANC's elective conference, to be held in Mangaung in December. - Sapa