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Leadership issue worries Mbeki
13/12/2006 17:37 - (SA)
Johannesburg - African National Congress president Thabo Mbeki on Wednesday criticised individuals within the party who campaign for leadership
positions within the movement.
Mbeki told the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco)
conference in Bloemfontein "this is a matter that worries me and
the leaders of the African National Congress movement, because
throughout the movement there is a sickness of people wanting to be
leaders".
He asked to thundering applause on the last day of Sanco's
fourth national congress: "Why do they not wait for the people to
tell them to come and lead us?"
It was reported that the conference has been taking place amid
tension among delegates.
Police on Tuesday investigated allegations of assault after
seven people were apparently injured due to fighting among
delegates.
No charges were laid because those being assaulted could not
identify the perpetrators.
Referring to the position of Sanco president - to be elected on
Wednesday afternoon - Mbeki said any presidential candidate that
would cause a division within the organisation (Sanco) would be a
wrong choice.
"That president would be worthless," said Mbeki.
'The most important sphere'
Discussing local government, Mbeki said that over the past year
government had given much attention to the local government sphere.
"It's the most important sphere of government," said Mbeki,
adding that it was the sphere where delivery must take place.
He also urged and challenged Sanco structures in communities to
play a more active role to ensure that service delivery occurred.
Mbeki said Sanco was one of the ANC's most critical and
strategic allies at local government level.
"Sanco must be the instrument of people on the ground."
- SAPA
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