ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says from this past weekend, the ANC has emerged as a united organisation that is resolute and focused on responding to the challenges facing the people of South Africa. Mbalula addressed the media on the outcomes of the ANC NEC Lekgotla that took place over the weekend.

A BRAND NEW ANC?

According to Mbalula, the Lekgotla reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to its historic mission and the aspirations of the people of South Africa. He said rhetoric deliberations were robust, reflective and thoughtful, drawing on critical lessons from the past. "The ANC is a resilient organisation, firmly rooted in the understanding that our struggle for a better South Africa is a work in progress. We are resolute in our efforts to address the social, economic and political challenges we face. The Lekgotla endorsed a series of specific resolutions, each one rooted in the lived experiences of our people and designed to address the most pressing issues of the day. Only a united ANC and its alliance partners will be able to effectively implement the resolutions we have adopted," he said.

OUT WITH THE MAFIAS 

Mbalula emphasised that the existence of water tank mafias, illegal connections and the vandalising of infrastructure must be tackled without any reservations. Last year, municipalities sounded the alarm about water tank mafias who are allegedly vandalising government water infrastructures for profit. "A dedicated task team in government will oversee the development and maintenance of water resource systems. To ensure that all communities have access to clean and portable water. This will also include the tackling of inefficiencies and corruption that often delays service delivery." Mbalula also said the party extends its condolences to the families of the 13 soldiers who were killed in Goma in the eastern DRC. He said the minister of defence, Angie Motshekga, would brief the nation and give details on the 13 soldiers killed in DRC.