East London - Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has appealed to ANC branch delegates to use their conscience when voting for their leaders in the upcoming national conference of the party.
Speaking at the East London International Convention Centre on Saturday, where she officially agreed to stand in as presidential candidate, Sisulu said no one in the ANC is allowed to intimidate the other based on different preferences on leaders.
“We have a code of conduct in the run-up to the national conference.
"Should anyone intimidate you for your choice of leaders, you have got the right to report that person to the disciplinary committee of the ANC,” she assured.
Her supporters, who attended the gathering, organised by ANC Women’s League sub-region of Mnquma in the Amathole region, claimed to come from the Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo and Northern Cape.
Among them was the #FeesMustFall activist Mcebo Dlamini who told the gathering Sisulu was the “credible leader fit enough” to lead the ANC.
Sisulu said it was about time the ANC is renewed to its glorious period.
“If you desire me to lead, I need an assurance from that we will travel this road together.
"If you are assuring me that we will be an anti-corruption entity, because we have seen how pervasive the perception of corruption is about the ANC, then nam ndiyavuma (I also agree) to stand as presidential candidate,” said Sisulu.
“The branch is the basic and most important unit of the ANC.
"No one can impose a leader on any branch.
"We have now entered a phase of open lobbying, let’s not indulge in divisive tactics like gate-keeping and vote buying. The ANC is not for sale.
"If they give you money, use it but vote with your conscience,” Sisulu said.