Durban – Warring factions in the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) have buried the hatched and opted to unite.
At the 7th National Conference at the Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, SANCO resolved to unite, which culminated in the election of office bearers – including former president Jacob Zuma who remains SANCO chairperson for KwaZulu-Natal.
The national conference also made amendments to the SANCO Constitution to include two more offices in the National Office Bearers – the 2nd Deputy President and 2nd Deputy General Secretary.
Another amendment was the composition of the National Executive Committee, which was increased from 45 to 60.
Elected national office bearers include:
- President Richard Mkhungo
- 1st Deputy President Chris Malematja
- 2nd Deputy President Lucky Moloi
- National Chairperson Skhumbuzo Mpanza
- General Secretary Mike Soko
- 1st Deputy General Secretary Bongikhaya Qhama
- 2nd Deputy General Secretary Sylvia Maphala
- National Treasurer Judith Tshabalala
- National Organiser Isaac Plaatjies
Under the theme, “Building a Revolutionary Civic Movement To Fight Poverty, Inequality and Joblessness”, the SANCO national conference was held from 24 to 26 November 2023.
Commenting on the resolutions of the conference, SANCO National Spokesperson Thamsanqa Kenke said: “The National Conference of SANCO came by after almost five years of deep divisions which resulted in SANCO leaders taking each other to court”.
Kenke, however, added: “The two Alexander and Durban National Executive Committees, as they became to be known, took a decision to open talks with each other and reached an out-of-court settlement, with the express objective of uniting the organisation”.
The national conference came after almost five years of deep divisions, which resulted in SANCO leaders taking each other to court, Kenke said.
He said the formerly opposed factions of “Alexander” and “Durban” SANCO national executive committees, as they came to be known, opened talks and reached an out-of-court settlement, “with the express objective of uniting the organisation”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the SANCO National Conference on the opening day.
The Secretary-General of the ANC Fikile Mbalula spoke on the second day of the conference, reaffirming the party’s support for SANCO.
Kneke said the conference was a reflection of the ANC’s admiration for SANCO, in particular their unity process, which was led by Mike Soko, the General Secretary of SANCO, and Richard Hlophe Mkhungu, the President of SANCO.
Declaration of the SANCO 7th National Conference
SANCO, its members and structures, remain committed to build a united, mass-based and revolutionary civic movement that has the ability to fight against poverty, inequality and joblessness, through advocating for radical change and the development of socio-economic programmes.
We acknowledge that communities require a strong, mass-based and united SANCO, that will take forward their issues and challenges without fear and favour.
The Conference commended the leadership for reuniting the organisation in a genuine and real manner, and calls on them to continue this organisational task.
SANCO to launch a campaign for two million members
SANCO as the custodian of communities cannot forget their responsibilities, and must not be deflected by those individuals who seek to exploit the organisation for their own selfish ends.
The incoming national leadership of SANCO must deal with any ill discipline and shenanigans without fear or favour, the SANCO constitution must be understood and reworked to suit the changing organisation.
Political and civic education, together with a leadership induction programme must be developed, together with deeper focus and discussion on how to ensure the women, youth and veterans’ desks are strengthened, and their subsequent numbers in leadership positions are increased.
SANCO remains strong in its resolve to defeat poverty, inequality and joblessness
“The hunger and impoverishment that traps our communities is an indictment on the civic movement,” SANCO said.
“The Conference is declaring war against poverty.
“The ANC-led government must be brave and take forward these matters without apology.”
SANCO said the indigent policy at the “local level” must be strengthened to include food security and land restitution as complementary programmes.
SANCO said the government rapid release land programme must be repurposed so that there are complementary development programmes to assist land beneficiaries.
There has to be greater monitoring of the issuing of water use licenses so that it is not used to frustrate transformation and change.
The 7th Conference called on SANCO to take forward the Shopoyaka initiative and the development of cooperatives, including a cooperative bank so that communities can be in charge of their economic future.
“The uncertainty of the future and rapid increase of undocumented migrants in townships have resulted in destructive economic activity,” SANCO said.
“It is an indictment on communities that economic activity in townships have become dominated by non-South Africans.”
SANCO said the Immigration Act must be passed by Parliament, as a matter of urgency.
“And we expect it to be implemented and regulated, particularly the clauses that protects local businesses such as spaza shops,” said SANCO.
“Zama Zama miners must be directly dealt with, whilst communities must be granted community mining licenses.
“Mining communities must be direct beneficiaries of the cleaning up of mine dumps and small-scale mining.”
Calling for action against those behind currency manipulation
SANCO said it was “quite frankly disappointed by Parliament” for refusing to convene a debate on the currency being manipulated by certain financial and banking institutions.
SANCO is demanding that the government, the National Treasury, and the Reserve Bank, which is charged with the responsibilities of regulating banks, formally charge the guilty financial institutions and banks that colluded to manipulate our currency.
“The owners and managers of these institutions must pay back the money and be charged for insider trading and economic sabotage,” SANCO said.
High cost of living affects all South Africans, especially the poor and working-class
“The restructuring and/or privatisation programme of our State-owned entities cannot be undertaken without serious and critical discussion, especially on how it will actually benefit the poor,” SANCO said.
“Conference asked poignantly, is the just energy transition just, or are we outsourcing our energy needs by stealth?”
Crime affects every single person in SA
The levels of violence and crime continue to hurt and destroy families and communities.
“In very many parts of our country, communities live in fear of criminals who roam the streets, without the police doing anything,” said SANCO.
“The rule of law has seemingly disintegrated in many parts of our country.
“Racism continues in our society, which allows wealthier parts of our society to have their own private security and local services.”
Gender-based violence is a scourge on communities
“The most vulnerable in our communities, women and children, are too often the victims of crime and violence,” SANCO said.
“Having 16 days of activism is not enough.
“We must not tolerate patriarchy, sexism, and gender-based misogyny for 365 days a year.”
South African communities are tired of load-shedding
“We have suffered this phenomenon for close to 15 years,” SANCO said.
“Instead of things improving, it seems to be getting worse. No technical explanation can suffice.
“Government must sort it out! ESKOM has to be sorted out.
“We call on government to be brave, and deal with ESKOM with decisiveness! SANCO expects that load shedding must be sorted out before the end of 2023.
“No other outcome would be good enough.”
Support for SA stance on Israel-Palestine conflict
“We commend our government for its brave stance to stand with the people of Palestine,” SANCO said.
“We call on government to push the International Criminal Court (ICC) to charge the Israeli government for crimes against humanity and genocide.
“The plans by government to move out of the ICC, should also not be shelved.
“There has to be a renewed focus on transforming the United Nations, in particular the Security Council.”
Challenges for democracy in Eswatini
SANCO said SADC must convene and intervene in the challenges for democracy in Eswatini.
“We also call on the government and people of Morocco to recognise the people and the independent state of Western Sahara,” SANCO said.
“SANCO believes in a better South Africa, better Africa, and better world, that is based human rights, civic spirit and united communities.”
Relationship between SANCO and the ANC
SANCO said its relationship with the ANC remains as strong as ever.
“However, it is always placed under risk if there is no mutual respect and if comrades allow material interest to take precedence,” SANCO said.
“SANCO cannot be excluded from alliance processes, especially the election structures and deployment of representatives!
“Conference noted with concern the lack of attendance of the SACP and COSATU.
“SANCO remains committed as it was thirty-one years ago to fight and represent ordinary communities.”
