Cyril Ramaphosa ANC

Photo: Athi Geleba / Twitter / GCIS

ANC January 8 Statement: SACP, Cosatu want less talk, more action

Corruption was a key area of focus in ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s January 8 Statement and for the most part, the SACP and Cosatu are pleased with what they have so far heard

Cyril Ramaphosa ANC

Photo: Athi Geleba / Twitter / GCIS

The African National Congress (ANC) January 8 statement has been widely welcomed by the ruling party’s alliance partners, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the SA Communist Party (SACP).

However the political party and trade federation have called on the ANC to put its money where its mouth it, following what many have described as a recycled address.

Laying out the ANC’s plans for the year, party president Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated their commitment to tackling corruption. Several ANC members face criminal charges, most notably the party’s secretary-general Ace Magashule, who has refused to step down. This is despite a resolution taken at the ANC’s 54th conference.

It’s going to be a particularly difficult year for the ANC (and any government really) as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is in full swing, bringing much uncertainty on what may lie ahead.

ANC must focus on implementation

Cosatu President Zingisa Losi said that contrary to what some may believe, the ANC has been firm in dealing with corruption-accused members, but only at provincial and regional level. She said it was only at a national level that the same rules were not applied, likely referring to the saga surrounding Magashule.

“We must also say as a federation that we have seen action being taken in different provinces, of leaders who have been charged with alleged corruption. They have stepped aside. The confusion came at a national level – leaders are supposed to face the same fate as members in the regions and provinces (Ace Magashule refence),” Losi said in an interview with eNCA.

The SACP said its most important issue was the COVID-19 pandemic and how the government has responded. The party’s Solly Mapaila said the ANC has good policies, but that implementation was still a problem.

“Now we know that the ANC is committed to finding a vaccine and making sure it is delivered to our people as speedily as possible, particularly starting with the frontline workers,” Mapaila said.

For the most part, the SACP said it was satisfied with the ANC’s recommitment to rooting out corruption. Mapaila added that they would focus on implementation and make sure the ANC accounts for its promises.

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