ANC calls for action in province to restore image

The Eastern Cape ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) has called for national party leaders to tap into their consciences and “take appropriate action”.

The provincial body has for the first time after the local government elections voiced its stance on the dismal showing. In addition, the provincial leaders called for the party to convene a national consultative congress.

No elections take place at such congresses.

The call follows an intense PEC special meeting held at the party’s provincial headquarters in King William’s Town on Monday.

Provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane said yesterday the party urgently needed to engage in “robust introspection”.

Mabuyane, in a veiled reference to the party’s national executive committee, said that even though the PEC had reaffirmed the NEC decision to take collective responsibility for its weaknesses and shortcomings, the PEC also acknowledged that individual actions of leaders had tainted the name and image of the party and this needed to be addressed.

Mabuyane said the party needed to embark on bold strategies to accelerate organisational renewal.

Observers say there is already strong backing among some ANC and allied organisations in the province for President Jacob Zuma to resign.