The SACP Greater Johannesburg District held its 2nd Annual Congress in late April. Delegates from over 25 branches in the ‘Deep” South, Soweto, Johannesburg and Alexandra attended the two-day Congress held at the Worker’s Library in Johannesburg. The Congress addressed a range of issues covering the Tripartite Alliance, the economy, local governance, education, gender issues and strategic challenges facing the SACP, culminating in the keynote address by Comrade Thenjiwe Mtintso – SACP Central Committee member and head of the National Gender Commission.
At the Congress several resolutions were passed by delegates, which included the following:
Resolution on GEAR The Congress noted that the macro-economic framework (GEAR) did not emanate from a process of consultation within the Alliance, and as a result it fundamentally contradicts the programmatic vision of that Alliance – the RDP. It further noted that the core premise of GEAR is to place capitalist accumulation at the centre of growth and development as opposed to the prioritisation of basic needs and redistribution.
As such, the Congress resolved to:
Resolution on Crime The Congress noted that crime continues to devastate the lives of our communities despite the concerted efforts of sections of the law enforcement agencies and communities. It further noted that the recent disagreements within the law enforcement agencies suggests that certain protocol issues are not being followed within certain sections of the security apparatus and thus are negatively affecting the formulation and practice of efficient delivery.
As such the Congress resolved to:
Resolution on Governance The Congress noted that all comrades deployed in government are there to pursue the policies of the ANC-led Alliance, and that such deployment is directed at ensuring that the quality of life of all citizens is improved. It further noted that accountability and mandate- seeking of these deployed comrades in all levels of government is no different than those comrades within the movement itself.
As such Congress resolved to: ? strengthen the governance structures of the SACP ? place specific emphasis on the organisational accountability and mandate-seeking of MECs, MPLs and Councillors deployed in government
Resolution on Education The Congress noted that while education is the key to transformation of our society, the legacy of white minority rule has left our country with huge disparities in education and its related fields. It specifically noted that the areas of science & technology, ABET and early childhood care were grossly neglected and that several mechanisms and programmes are being put into place in an attempt to overcome this legacy.
As such Congress resolved to: ? actively participate in forums and committees initiated by government that deal with the areas mentioned above ? actively take part in programmes of governing bodies of schools in our area
For any further information or queries please contact Dr. Dale T. McKinley (Chairperson of the SACP Greater Johannesburg District)