‘We must grow up as comrades’

076 Delegates carrying the ANC flag sing on the last day of the NGC at Durbnan's exhibition centre. 240910. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

076 Delegates carrying the ANC flag sing on the last day of the NGC at Durbnan's exhibition centre. 240910. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published Oct 3, 2015

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Durban – KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu urged delegates at the African National Congress’s provincial general congress on Saturday to consider both the employed and the unemployed when looking at the party’s policies on attempting to boost employment.

Mchunu, speaking in Durban at the start of the two-day meeting, said much of the PGC’s deliberations needed to be about employment.

“The bulk of our deliberations must be about what it is we must do to change this [the high unemployment].”

But Mchunu, who is also ANC provincial chairman, warned that it would be dangerous to assume that all was well among those who were employed.

“Our concern has to be on both sides. On the side of those who are unemployed and those who are employed.”

He said the increasing numbers of employed were becoming over-indebted. He cited recent figures that showed that as many as 50 percent of the country’s credit active population had “one or another judgement hanging over them”.

“Many people are getting deeper and deeper into debt,” he said.

The party also needed to take a closer look at garnishee orders that provided for employers to make deductions from employees to pay debts.

Referring to rumours that made their way into the public realm, especially the media, Mchunu urged delegates to be open and honest with one another, “because [otherwise] we start looking at one another with doubts”.

“We must grow up as comrades and be open at a level where we are mature in our politics.”

Numerous reports have emerged in the KwaZulu-Natal media over the past year where it has been claimed that ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala and Mchunu are in a battle for control of the party.

Mchunu said any issues that members of the party had should be raised openly.

Referring to President Jacob Zuma’s leadership, Mchunu said the party was fully behind Zuma.

“We will be in full support of Jacob Zuma as KwaZulu-Natal without a doubt,” he said.

ANA

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