Durban - ANC chairwoman Baleka Mbete has questioned the motives of party members who kill each other when they should be of service to the people.
“When people are supposed to play a role and service our people, what makes us to kill each other?
“We must ask ourselves what it is to be selected to take the programme to serve the people forward,” Mbete said.
Mbete was speaking at the fundraising and networking dinner organised by the ANC eThekwini region at uMhlanga Coastlands Hotel on Tuesday night.
Her comments came hot on the heels of political killings emanating from nomination of councillors and community protests against imposed councillors in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Mbete, the only tangible reason for the infighting for positions was not that people wanted to be given a chance to deliver services, but self-enrichment and exploiting the opportunity for their own selfish interests.
“We as the ANC have values, principles and policies about serving South Africa and our people.”
In an earlier address, eThekwini mayororal candidate, Zandile Gumede, committed herself to working with individual business people and as a collective.
This, she said, was to develop partnership that would create opportunities in fast-tracking economic development and investment in the Durban city’s catalytic projects.
“I am looking forward to working with you all in the journey ahead to make our city a leading metro in South Africa and a key player in the international trade and investment environment.”
Gumede, who listed the city’s achievements and planned major investment projects, said the eThekwini Metro would also work with business in its developmental agenda of the city.
“I’m convinced that the city’s budget has the potential of benefiting you all by creating strategic partnerships for growth and development,” she said.
In a clear endorsement of Gumede, Mbete said there was no doubt that the ANC had quality leadership in the Durban Metro.
She said partnership with business was important, and what the regional chairwoman had talked about was what the ruling party was offering to business.
“There are still many things to be done.
“The ANC partnering with business has a long way to build a better South Africa and a future for our children as part of the national development plan.”
Mbete threw her weight behind Gumede and her executive, but hastened to advise them to be accountable and also fulfil the promises made to the people.
“We can have no doubt that the ANC has given us quality leadership in eThekwini,”
She could not hide her delight that among the business people present were young people.
“I welcome and encourage young people. We should sit and talk as a country.
“We must collaborate as people playing different roles,” she said.
ANC treasurer-general, Zweli Mkhize, said there was a positive and a strong future for eThekwini and KZN.
“We have to look at how to create more jobs, create industrialists and attract investments,” Mkhize said.
Daily News