ANC Gauteng urged to save 'sinking ship'

Lesufi tells contenders to stop squabbles and focus on resolutions to revive the organisation

- SIMON MAJADIBODU AND SIYABONGA SITHOLE

ANC Gauteng provincial co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has urged contenders for leadership positions in the Johannesburg region to stop fighting for control of what he described as a “sinking ship” and instead focus on resolutions to revive the organisation.

Speaking on Wednesday night at the opening of the ANC Johannesburg regional elective conference, Lesufi cautioned delegates against allowing internal contests to turn ugly at a time when the party faces significant decline.

“And in this ship, this ship is sinking. It’s sinking at a faster rate. Instead of all of us collectively determining how to save this ship, we are squabbling amongst ourselves about who is the owner of the ship,” he said.

“You can be the owner of the ship, but it will be at the belly of the sea. It will be a meaningless ship. And then all of us will sink.”

Lesufi, an ANC NEC member, urged delegates to prioritise the organisation over individual ambitions.

“Even if somebody has stolen your delegate, even if somebody has promised you a delegate, even if somebody said you will bring the numbers - if the numbers don't number the African National Congress, even if the numbers don't number, the African National Congress must number,” he said.