Yengeni strikes back

2010-09-22 19:39

Johannesburg - ANC NEC political education head Tony Yengeni spoke out on Wednesday against the party's critical alliance partners.

"As the ANC, we will not allow anyone to use the fig leaf of another organisation to attack the ANC," said Yengeni at the ANC national general council meeting in Durban.

"Sometimes we have the general secretary of an alliance organisation making statements that impugn the leadership of the ANC. This is a matter that we should discuss with the alliance partners."

Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi spoke out on corruption in government as well as against businesspeople who use their party connections for lucrative business deals.

"In relation to members of the alliance, who stand on public platforms and insult the ANC and its leadership, we must take that matter to the allies for discussion," said Yengeni.

Indiscipline

Yengeni said delegates at the NGC had approached him to deal with undisciplined members who criticise the leadership.

"Many delegates at the ANC NGC had been calling on the party's leadership to act swiftly on indiscipline in relation to certain people," he said.

"What they are expressing in the commissions is that we are quick act against certain people, and not too quick to act against certain others."

ANC Gauteng provincial secretary David Makhura said the party was investigating the creation of "integrity committees" to deal with errant party members.

"The integrity committee has found lots of favour among the delegates. The delegates are saying it must be in place soon, so anyone who steps out of line can be called to order," said Makhura.

"The delegates have been saying that we want the NEC to restore discipline in the ranks across the country."

Makhura said the NEC was likely to be "very active" across the country after the NGC.

ANC NEC elections head Fikile Mbalula warned that the party would also be clamping down on the buying of votes.

"We are addressing this area of discussion in the organisation. If people are found to be doing this they will be disciplined," he said.

- SAPA