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ANC Press Release, 8 October 2006 STATEMENT OF THE ANC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The National Executive Committee (NEC) of African National Congress, held a regular scheduled meeting on 6-7 October 2006 in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Strategy and Tactics The NEC was presented with a basic framework document that will form the basis for the drafting of the 2007 Strategy and Tactics of the ANC. The current Strategy and Tactics document (including the Preface appended at the 51st Conference, December 2002) deals with the following issues: history of the struggle under colonialism; character of the negotiations which led to the democratic breakthrough; assessment of situation and balance of forces at the beginning of the democratic transition in 1994; character of the national democratic revolution (NDR); motive forces for transformation; character of the ANC; character of the international situation and programme of national democratic transformation. In redrafting the Strategy and Tactics, the NEC noted that we have to look at some of the issues that still have to be included in our document. The meeting noted that, being 13 years into our democracy, the emphasis in our strategic and tactical postures, as the ANC, should be more on issues pertaining to transformation of society. This Strategy and Tactics document is meant to be operational until the 2012 ANC National Conference and even beyond. The meeting agreed that a one-day workshop should be organised by the Political Education Sub-Committee to which NEC members and other leading members of the organisation (including the Alliance leadership) would be invited to reflect on the main thematic issues contained in the Strategy and Tactics document. The workshop will receive inputs on the following: 1. Character of the NDR and programme of national democratic transformation 2. Evolution of the balance of forces 1994 – 2006/7) 3. Motive forces and character of the ANC 4. International situation and its implications for the NDR. The draft document emerging out of the workshop will be made available to all structures of the movement in preparation for the Policy Conference that precedes the upcoming National Conference. COSATU Congress The meeting received and considered a report from the delegation that attended the COSATU National Congress, which was held in Midrand, in Gauteng Province. It noted that the Congress took place against the backdrop of “intense leadership battles” as was publicly characterised. The NEC expressed regret and disappointment at the negative reception of the deputy president of the country, who is also a member of the NEC, by some delegates. The meeting expressed its disquiet about such illtreatment of ANC members, as it was further reported that another NEC member was also treated with disrespect when addressing the COSATU Congress. Further, the NEC welcomed the elections of the new leadership and wished them a very successful term in their programme as they address the plight of the millions of workers. It also resolved that a bilateral meeting be organised between the ANC and COSATU, where some of the issues emanating from the Congress could be discussed. Civil Unions Bill The NEC received a report on the Constitutional Court ruling regarding sections of the Marriage Act 25 of 1961, dealing with the common law definition of marriage, which the Constitutional Court found to be inconsistent with the equality for all provisions of the constitution. In response to this ruling, it was reported that Cabinet considered a draft Civil Unions Bill, which addresses a number of contesting clauses. The meeting resolved that the Constitutional Court ruling be respected and it agreed that the Civil Unions Bill as tabled, does address the court’s judgement. Our approach as the ANC is informed by respect for human rights and opposition to any form of discrimination. In its discussion the NEC noted that some matters of this kind can occasion discomfort amongst members of our movement and the rest of society. However we agreed that in the final analysis, respect for human rights entails recognising diversity and also ensuring that we always take into account the sensitivities of our society. The NEC charged the ANC with the task of engaging several role players such as the religious community, the public in general, and all structures and members of the ANC (including ANC Caucuses), as we work towards meeting the 1st December 2006 deadline as set by the Constitutional Court. President’s political overview In his political overview, the president called upon NEC members to reflect on the Study Notes of the NWC, entitled “Managing Democratic Transformation” in trying to understand the current challenges facing our movement. He further highlighted and cautioned against some propositions articulated by the General Secretary of the SACP. These are contained in remarks made at the SADTU and COSATU Congresses. Some of these propositions emanate from the SACP CC Discussion Document. After robust and mature engagement by NEC members on this input, the NEC agreed that these propositions would result in the following unintended consequences: * Liquidation of the SACP and the defeat of a genuine left agenda, among other things, and shifting the tasks of the socialist revolution onto the shoulders of the ANC; * Destruction of the ANC and the rest of the democratic movement by provoking them to attempt a socialist transformation, based on the thesis that “imperialism is not invincible”, and * The consequent capture of political power by the combined forces of domestic and international counter-revolution, which remain determined to limit and frustrate the potential of the National Democratic Revolution to serve the interests of the masses ohe working people in our country. The NEC resolved that the movement should continue to engage on these matters within the context of finalising the Strategy and Tactics document of the ANC. In the immediate period, the leadership of the ANC should continue to clarify the positions of the movement on these issues within our structures and in broader society through the Imvuselelo Campaign. Preparations for 52nd National Conference The NEC noted the fact that, of the provinces that had not had an opportunity to host a national conference, Limpopo has put in a request to host the 2007 National Conference. The meeting resolved that, given the limitations with regard to an appropriate plenary venue, Limpopo should be given an opportunity to host the upcoming National Conference, pending a professional assessment by a technical team on the feasibility thereof, including cost implications. Progressive Women’s Movement The National Executive Committee also congratulated the Women’s League and other women’s organisations for the recently established Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. The NEC believes that this is an important milestone in the history of the women’s struggle in our country. The meetiTRUE LOVE has announced their second All A Woman Needs Day, which will be taking place on 2 May 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The TRUE LOVE All A Woman Needs Day is a no-holds barred, vibrant extravaganza of beauty, fashion and pampering – providing women with all they need to feel on top of their game. "This event was conceptualised by our TRUE LOVE team as a way to say thank you to our loyal followers and to welcome our new readers to the fold," says Dorah Sitole, TRUE LOVE editor. "The day is an opportunity for readers to experience the magazine face-to-face, to interact with the lifestyle, the products and the TRUE LOVE team. The magazine will literally come alive for a day," she adds. 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