African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the COVID-19 pandemic is the governing party’s first real test since its establishment.
Ramaphosa says the ANC cannot point fingers and has to navigate the country through the storm. He was speaking virtually at the ANC Northern Cape provincial conference, being held at Springbok. Apart from its effects on the health of people, COVID-19 has also devastated economies and lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw South Africa’s economy depress even further, millions more became unemployed.
With a third wave fast approaching, Ramaphosa says the ANC needs to play its part to stop the rise in numbers, this includes encouraging people to register for vaccinations. He says more than 100 countries have joined the call for pharmaceutical companies to waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the Northern Cape elective conference:
Ramaphosa also touched on ill-discipline in the party.
ANC Provincial Chairperson Zamani Saul has been a staunch critic of suspended Secretary-General Ace Magashule, calling him deeply compromised.
“Apart from COVID-19, the movement is also going through its own challenges such as ill-discipline. Ever since Nasrec we have been trying to forge unity. Call that comrade to order. That is unity,” says Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa also called for the strengthening of policies and deployees to local government.
With local government elections in October, the ANC says it wants a resounding victory at the polls.
NC ANC Chairperson Zamani Saul reacts to Ramaphosa’s address on provincial elective conference:
