It’s all systems go as the ANC national policy conference starts on Tuesday with what is expected to be robust debate on issues such as unemployment, poverty and inequality.
Addressing the media at Luthuli House on Monday, ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the party was “more than ready with its preparations for the 4th national policy conference”.
Mantashe said there had been vigorous debates within branches, regions, provinces, alliance structures and the public on the policy proposition.
He was confident that the policy conference would bring together all discussions and produce policy outcomes that would serve as a ‘’catalyst’’ to enhance achieving a better life for all.
The four-day conference at Gallagher Estate in Midrand will begin with an open session that President Jacob Zuma will address, followed by closed plenary sessions during which input on organisational renewal, strategy and tactics, the state intervention in the mining-sector study report and a national development plan, among other topics, will be considered.
The policy conference is expected to be attended by more than 3 500 delegates.
KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape have the highest number of delegates attending.
When asked whether these provinces would have any influence on the policy determination, Radebe said: “This is not about numbers. It’s about discussing the policy of the ANC.”
Mantashe said there would be a strong police and marshal presence while Radebe warned that “ill-discipline” would not be tolerated.
In September 2010, former ANC Youth League president Julius Malema and league members stormed the stage during a closed session of the party’s national general council in Durban.
The Star