2005-11-19,+ANC+NWC,+17+Oct.+Statement

= STATEMENT OF THE ANC NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE =

The ANC National Working Committee (NWC), meeting in Johannesburg today (17 October), reaffirmed the unwavering support of the organisation for the process adopted at the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of 9 September to address current developments relating to ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

In this light, the NWC condemned in the strongest terms possible the unacceptable behaviour of some people outside the Durban Magistrate's Court last week.

The organisation takes strong exception to such conduct as the burning of ANC t-shirts, shouting insults about President Thabo Mbeki and shouting down ANC KwaZulu Natal provincial chairperson S'bu Ndebele.

Such behaviour is foreign to the values and practice of the ANC, and undermines its character and image.

While the NEC has put in place a process to deal openly and comprehensively with whatever concerns and frustrations may exist among ANC members, the ANC will not tolerate actions which bring the organisation into disrepute.

Any ANC member engaging in such activities will face disciplinary action in terms of the ANC Constitution.

The NWC reaffirmed the spirit and letter of the NEC decision of 9 September, which calls, among other things, for unity and cohesion within the organisation and respect for the law and the institutions of state.

In line with this decision, no member of the ANC should act to undermine the process initiated by the President and Deputy President to respond substantively to these current developments.

The ANC once again calls on all its members to act responsibly and with integrity, to safeguard the unity of the ANC and Alliance, and to desist from any activity that brings the ANC into disrepute.

Issued by: National Working Committee African National Congress PO Box 61884 Marshalltown 2107

17 October 2005

More information: Smuts Ngonyama 082 569 2061