The ANC, SACP and COSATU in Free State convened a successful summit to reflect on and discuss issues of mutual interest and significance to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
The meeting recalled and expressed a deep sense of appreciation that the alliance was founded on the rock of unity which guided it (alliance) over the long years of struggle against colonialism. The strategic intent of the struggle against colonialism has always been the liberation of blacks in general and Africans in particular.
Whilst the alliance member organisations remain ideologically and organisationaly independent of each other, each comprise an important pillar of struggle. The durability of the alliance between the ANC, SACP and COSATU lies in strengthening each as an independent formation and in securing their cooperation on an entirely voluntary yet principled basis.
The alliance partners remain committed in pursuing a relationship that is complimentary and mutually reinforcing of one another in the ongoing struggle to advance, deepen and defend our common programme of the NDR based on mutual trust, reciprocity, comradeship in the battle and common struggle for national liberation.
Deliberations in the summit were robust, critical, frank and honest. Some of the decisions emanating from the summit include but not limited to the following;
· Preserve and revitalize the alliance, taking into consideration the changing material conditions. The alliance must continue to be a resilient fighting force in the execution of the programme of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
· Further, the alliance formations agreed to take forward discussion on reconfiguration of the alliance, with detailed and focused discussions on all aspects of this work with the intention to improve the overall management of the NDR.
· Ensure the involvement of the alliance in the review and development work for the elections manifesto and prepare and campaign jointly for the national general elections in 2024.
· Intervene on pressing challenges that impede the efficient functioning of government and ensure improved service delivery.
· Improve the financial state of municipalities including mechanisms for allocation of resources to implement the programme of change.
· Agreed to establish a focused Alliance Research Working Group to work on the process of the review of the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS). The Alliance Research Working Group will also establish work streams focusing on issues like the provincial economy, the state of provincial and local government with the express intention to intensify the programme of addressing the challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.
· The Alliance Summit noted and welcomed progress made towards the introduction of the National Health Insurance scheme (NHI) and agreed to unify progressive forces to defend the introduction of the NHI which guarantee universal access to quality health care for all against ongoing and planned onslaught by the private pharmaceutical interests through media, the courts and a use of Non -Governmental Organizations (NGO’s).
END
Jointly issued by ANC, SACP and COSATU Free State
ANC Free State Provincial Secretary
Comrade Polediso Motsoeneng
For media inquiries contact: Comrade Jabu Mbalula, Provincial Spokesperson
Cell: 082 461 3112
Cosatu Free State Provincial Secretary
Comrade Monyatso Mahlatsi
Cell: 076 115 9923
SACP Free State Provincial Secretary
Comrade Bhekumzi Stofile
For media inquiries contact: Comrade Phillip Kganyago, Provincial Spokesperson
Cell: 071 896 0157