The ANC has directed its leaders, members and structures to end public pronouncements on the succession debate.
The directive came after a meeting of the ANC’s National Working Committee.
In a statement Wednesday, the ANC said that “the NWC took note of and reaffirmed the decision of the NEC calling on structures of the ANC to refrain from pronouncing on names of comrades to be elected as members of the NEC or the Officials towards the 54th National Conference to be held in December 2017.”
The statement comes in the wake of ongoing speculation about who will succeed ANC president Jacob Zuma. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has recently been vocal about the leadership issue in the party, and erstwhile AU Commission Chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma appear to the front-runners.
“Consequently, the NWC directs members, leaders, structures and Leagues of the ANC to desist from making any further pronouncement which either raise the name (s) of comrades for leadership or indicating their availability for the same,” said ANC spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa.
The ruling party also appealed to Alliance partners to “desist” from making public pronouncements on the ANC succession issue.
“The NWC further appeals to the Alliance Partners of the ANC to assist the ANC strengthen and deepen unity within the ANC and the Alliance, instead of being part of the divisive tendencies that have engulfed our movement,” Kodwa said.
“The National Officials of the ANC have been mandated to seek audience with the National Office Bearers of the Alliance Partners in fulfilment of this decision,” he added.
Kodwa also said that the National Work Committee received a report of the National Officials on the ongoing engagement with Veterans and Stalwarts of our movement.
“We remain committed to open, frank and constructive engagement with these seasoned leaders of our movement. We continue to value their contribution to the life of the organisation,” he said.
