Kimberley - Khoi and San leaders in the Northern Cape have “dismissed with contempt” the newly elected ANC leadership in the Province.
Northern Cape Khoi and San leaders Gaob Paul Swartbooi and Barend van Wyk said that the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and its additional members were not representative of the demographics of the Province.
“This present reflection cannot be tolerated. We want representation in all structures of government and decision-making bodies. We take notice with regret and dismay the present state of affairs in the Province."
“It is very clear that the present cadres elected are not suitable to represent the ruling party and party structures in the Northern Cape.”
They congratulated and supported Premier Sylvia Lucas for uncovering alleged corruption in government and for handing over documents to the Hawks.
“She took a brave step to expose these culprits. This is also the first time in the history of the Northern Cape that a premier took such a step."
“As the case has been reported to the Hawks, the law must take its course, but we cannot allow this type of practice and people to lead our Province.”
The national ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) has also commended the premier for handing over evidence of alleged corruption to the Hawks.
ANCWL secretary general Meokgo Matuba pointed out that service delivery was compromised by the looting of state resources.
“It is the responsibility of all members of society to report all forms of fraud and corruption to law enforcement agencies, and the ANCWL applauds Premier Lucas for taking the appropriate actions in reporting the alleged corruption to the Hawks.”
Matuba believed that Lucas was taking proactive steps to deal with allegations of fraud and corruption.
“The opportunistic, populist forces who are calling for the removal of Premier Lucas are clearly against her decision for reporting this alleged corruption and must be frowned upon by society at large. Fraud and corruption hinders the provision of basic services.”
Meanwhile, the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) in the Northern Cape believed that the “state capture” of the Province was averted during the elective conference in Colesberg when the leadership contest was won by Zamani Saul.
YCLSA provincial secretary Lebogang Moremedi stated that the ANC was the centre of power and not an individual premier or president.
“The Gupta-captured premier league slate was defeated democratically within the organisation, notwithstanding all of the advantages and considerable resources enjoyed by them.”
ANCWL regional chairperson Roseline Tyler was incorrectly titled as ANCWL provincial chairperson in Wednesday’s edition of the DFA.