ANC clarifies Mbeki’s absence from NEC meeting

Mbeki and Netshitenze were absent, , citing prior engagements

The ANC has clarified the absence of President Thabo Mbeki and a close ally, Joel Netshitenze, from yesterday's meeting of the party's National Executive Committee. ANC spokesperson Tiyani Rikhotso says both men excused themselves from the meeting a week ago, citing prior engagements.

Yesterday's NEC meeting was the first since the new executive was elected at the ANC's national conference in Polokwane last month. The new NEC is dominated by supporters of new party president Jacob Zuma.

The ANC's National Executive Committee is expected to announce the list of members of the party's new National Working Committee today.

Outcome of other discussions
The 28 NWC members are responsible for the day to day running of the organisation. The NEC will also announce the outcome of other discussions at its key meeting held in Esselen Park, east of Johannesburg, yesterday.

Among the other issues discussed, were the party's traditional January 8 statement and the charges being brought by the National Prosecuting Authority against Zuma. Zuma, as party president, is expected to deliver the annual January 8 statement in Atteridgeville in Tshwane on Saturday.

Zuma to announce NEC statement
Zuma is expected to deliver the annual January 8 statement today. SABC's Ntebo Mokobo reports that the statement marks the formation of the African National Congress on that date in 1912. For many years the occasion of this anniversary was marked with the release by the NEC of a major statement for the forthcoming year. This tradition has been maintained since the first democratic elections in 1994.
It marks the formation of the African National Congress on that date in 1912. The main birthday celebrations for the ruling party, which turns 96 today, will also be held on Saturday.