Statement

The ANC National Veterans’ League (VL) held a National Executive Committee meeting on 17 – 18 August in the aftermath of the national and provincial elections outcomes and the formation of the Government of National Unity. Our objective was to develop a programme of work for the year ahead driven by the cross-cutting imperative of renewal of the ANC and aligned to the outcomes of the ANC NEC and NEC Lekgotla. At the centre of the deliberations was the need for the ANC to be at the forefront of delivering services to our people so as to rebuild the confidence of the people of South Africa.

The VL is intent upon strengthening its structures throughout the country. We continue to call upon all members of the ANC who qualify as members of the VL to come forward, continuing their lifelong work in realising the vision of the National Democratic Revolution. Only a strong VL will be capable of implementing a programme of organisational and political work to rebuild and renew the ANC. This is how we will make our influence felt in the ANC, in our communities and in the public discourse.

We were joined in our meeting by comrade President Thabo Mbeki and ANC NEC member comrade David Makhura, the head of political education.

The VL has been working with ANC political education committee, a central pillar to revival and renewal of the ANC. The foundation course for all ANC members has already been approved by the ANC NEC and will be rolled out from 1 September 2024.

The VL discussed the National Dialogue publicly announced by both President Ramaphosa and President Mbeki. We concur with the messages delivered by President Mbeki on the occasion of 30 years of democracy. Firstly, it is false that the last 30 years of our democracy have been disastrous. Secondly, it is imperative that the quality of leadership in the next three decades take our country forward based on principles and practices of good governance. Thirdly, we must collectively act against those forces that have caused so much damage to our country, counter-revolutionaries with no regard for the future of our country and our people.

The forthcoming, inclusive National Dialogue led by President Ramaphosa, as Head of State and in conjunction with key stakeholders that have expressed support for the dialogue, will be a significant milestone in mapping out what kind of South Africa its people want.

We concluded our meeting, committed to the rebuilding and renewing of the ANC and the Leagues at every level. To take forward renewal the VL will be taking proposals to the forthcoming special ANC NEC on integrity and membership issues.