ANC holds meeting to iron out party differences

The ANC NEC will address issues of unity, public relations and policy at its closed meeting

The ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) is locked behind closed doors in its second meeting since Polokwane.

The aim is to rid the party of internal wrangles simmering since its policy conference in December. The meeting will be held for four days in Esselen Park, east of Johannesburg

The NEC will address, among others, issues of unity, public relations, and policy. "Two days will be dedicated to political debate which looks into the run-up to the Polokwane conference, post-Polokwane and scan the whole political environment…" says the party's General-Secretary, Gwede Mantashe.

The pre-Polokwane unity within the tripartite alliance was key to Jacob Zuma's ascendency to the presidency. But now the ANC is showing some strain. Diverse policy perspectives are causing tension with its key allies.

The Congress of South African trade union (Cosatu) and South African Communist Party (SACP) have been critical about some ANC policies, particularly on economic and labour issues. The ruling party now finds itself in a position where it continuously has to fend off allegations of purging.

The tripartite alliance will hold a meeting in May, which could be its big test. The parties have to find middle ground and projecting a united front could be a challenge.