ANC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STATEMENT

UNCLAS PRETORIA 002095 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM SF SUBJECT: ANC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STATEMENT RECALLING MBEKI ¶1. On 21 September, The National Executive Council (NEC) of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) announced that President Thabo Mbeki was told to step down, which he did the following day. In explanation of this decision, ANC Secretary Gwede Mantashe said the ANC admired Mbeki's many years of service and accomplishment. However, in response to press questions, he explained that the two centers of power problem in the ANC had to be resolved, and that the prospect of the NPA reopening the corruption trial against ANC President Zuma precipitated this decision as Zuma supporters believe Mbeki was leading a political conspiracy to persecute and prosecute Zuma. ¶2. Text of ANC National Executive Committee Statement. 20 September 2008 Over the past two days, the National Executive Committee of the ANC has deliberated on the Pietermaritzburg decision by Judge Chris Nicholson. In particular, we have focused on the implications of the judgement for our movement, and for our people as a whole. The judgement has had a profound impact on many aspects of our legal system. It has obviously also had an impact on the affairs of the ANC. We wish to assert to you that our most important task as a revolutionary movement is the stability of our country and the unity and cohesion of the ANC. Our movement has been through a trying period and we are determined to heal the rifts that may exist. In the light of this, and after a long and difficult discussion, the ANC has decided to recall the President of the Republic before his term of office expires. Our decision has been communicated to him. The formalities are now subject of a Parliamentary process and, we can assure you, will take place in a way which ensures smooth running of government. We acknowledge with deep admiration all the great strides our country has made under the stewardship of President Mbeki. He remains a loyal cadre of our movement and we will continue to work closely with him on matters relating to our desire to achieve a developmental state. We will follow with precision all the constitutional requirements to ensure that interim arrangements are in place to ensure the smooth running of the government. In the coming days, the President of the ANC will meet with ANC deployees in government to assure them that the NEC would wish for them toremain in Government. To the citizens of South Africa, we make the commitment that we share their desire for stability and for a peaceful and prosperous South Africa. We believe that our decision is in the interests of making that a secure reality. Issued: African National Congress ¶3. End text. BOST