ANC differences healthy - Zuma

2008-01-11 16:32

Cape Town - Jacob Zuma used his first online newsletter as president of the African National Congress on Friday to reject suggestions that the party was divided, and commit it to a culture of open debate.

"We reiterate that the ANC is not divided. There are no fundamental policy differences among any members or leaders of the ANC," he said in the newsletter, posted on the ANC website.

"The vibrant debate that is sometimes misconstrued as division is merely differences of opinion on the implementation of our programme of action.

"It is a healthy phenomenon which keeps all of us on our toes."

Zuma's remarks follow his defeat last month of President Thabo Mbeki in a bruising contest for the party leadership, and speculation that his labour and communist allies will be seeking policy changes as payback for their role in his victory.

"Fortunately, emerging from the national conference in Polokwane, we are able to say proudly that the ANC can only go from strength to strength," he said.

"It is united and very focused on its mandate of leading transformation... and progress.

"We have consistently argued that the mere existence of different views - whether on questions of leadership, policy or strategy - no matter how strongly held or firmly expressed, does not mean that the organisation is divided."

'Respect for decisions'

Zuma said unity was achieved through ongoing democratic debate, and sustained through political action.

"It is achieved by encouraging a contest of views and a respect for decisions collectively and democratically taken."

He said the ANC, which celebrates its 96th anniversary on Saturday, would focus on re-inculcating a culture of a type of open debate that did not create hostility.

"We need to promote an exchange of views that makes it possible for comrades to disagree vociferously, but still remain firm comrades and friends," he said.

The ANC and its alliance partners should in future be able to find more common ground than areas of difference.

"We will always welcome the views and opinions of our alliance partners on the progress we are making in meeting the mandate of our people."

- SAPA