Nzimande: ANC will emerge stronger

2012-06-28 14:38

Blade Nzimande (File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - The ANC and its alliance will emerge stronger and united from its policy conference, SACP secretary general Blade Nzimande said on Thursday.

"We do hold policy conferences to plug gaps," he said on the sidelines of the policy conference at Midrand.

What was important for the SA Communist Party was the content of the discussion papers.

"President [Jacob] Zuma articulated the need for [a] radical shift; the tone set by the president calls for radical measures."

‘Nationalise Sasol and ArcelorMittal’

Nzimande was referring to the party's discussion paper on the need for a so-called "second transition" to correct economic imbalances in the country.

He said the SACP agreed with the proposal. He also said the SACP agreed with the proposal of nationalisation.

"We are clear on nationalisation. We feel Sasol and ArcelorMittal must be re-nationalised as key national entities."

Nzimande said debates at the policy conference were robust and encouraging.

"We are happy the way the conference has progressed so far... we will emerge stronger with deep, radical determination."

Discussions being finalised

The conference, on its third day, was expected to consolidate reports from commissions on the second transition and on organisational renewal.

ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu earlier dismissed reports that the idea of a second transition had been rejected.

He said discussions were still being finalised.

The ANC is meeting in Midrand for four days, starting on Tuesday, to discuss 13 policy documents ahead of its national conference in December.

The policy decisions made at the policy conference will be discussed and finalised at the national conference in Mangaung, Free State, in December.

These policies will form the basis for the ANC government's policies, new laws or amended laws.

- SAPA