Statement of the National Caucus Lekgotla,
31 January – 1 February 2008
1 February 2008
The Parliamentary Caucus of the African National Congress held its annual national Lekgotla from 31 January to 1 February 2008. The crucial meeting was attended by the members of the organisation deployed in both houses of parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, and the leadership of the movement.
This year’s Parliamentary Lekgotla met a month following the successful 52nd national conference of the ANC, which emerged with a new leadership collective and sets of resolutions that will guide the work of the organisation in the next five years. Therefore the Lekgotla used the opportunity to congratulate the new members of the NEC under the able leadership of President Jacob Zuma.
The meeting took note of the participation of Bafana-Bafana in the African Nations Cup and congratulated the coach and the team for displaying an improved performance in a long time. We believe that despite their ejection from the competition at an early stage, the assembled team possess a potential and qualities to become one of the best teams in the world. We therefore urge all South Africans to rally behind the team as it continue to consolidate ahead of the 2010 World Cup.
The Lekgotla had an opportunity of being addressed by the President of the ANC, cde Jacob Zuma, on the state of the organisation and provided an overview of the work of the ANC in the next five years, as per the mandate of the 52nd national Conference. The meeting also received a briefing on the programme of action of the organisation, including preparations for the 2009 national elections, organisational building and political management from the ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Deputy Secretary General Thandi Modise.
The Deputy President of the Republic, cde Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka provided the meeting with a comprehensive overview of the government’s 2008 programme and the Chairperson of the NCOP, cde Mninwa Mahlangu, gave a report on the work of Parliament and an outline of the strategic priorities for the institution during this year.
The report on the work of the parliamentary caucus during the past year was presented by the office of the ANC Chief Whip. The report highlighted a number of successes we have achieved as well challenges confronting the organisation in Parliament, including the issue of attendance of parliamentary
and caucus meetings. The successful implementation of the tasks and programmes of the movement is reliant on the strict attendance by all Members of Parliament of the sittings of Parliament, meetings of caucus study groups and clusters. Inculcating a culture of discipline among some of the organisation’s public representatives in this institution will form part of the priorities of the caucus this year. The Office of the Chief Whip will consider various strategies in an effort to remedy the situation.
The content of these reports were crucial in assisting Lekgotla robustly and frankly deliberate on the challenges facing the ruling party in Parliament and emerge with a comprehensive programme of action that will inform its work in 2008.
In this regard, the Lekgotla reaffirmed the strategic political position ANC Members of Parliament are placed with regard to the implementation of the programme and policies of the movement, consistent with the decisions of the national conference. The meeting was therefore unequivocal in its resolve to spare no effort or energy in ensuring that all its structures bring into action these tasks for the attainment of a better life for all South Africans.
"The Year of Mass Mobilisation to Build a Caring Society. Advance in Unity Towards 2012".
Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip
Contact:
Moloto Mothapo
Head of Media & Communications
ANC Parliamentary Caucus
Cape Town
021 403 2758 / 082 370 6930
momothapo@parliament.gov.za
