SACP Gauteng PEC Press Statement

25 May 2009

The SACP Gauteng PEC held its meeting on 24 May 2009 which mainly dealt with the outcome of the elections. Firstly, the SACP in the province continues to celebrate and welcome the ANC elections victory. This outcome gives the ANC a renewed mandate to improve the lives of the people especially the working class and the poor as the most vulnarable class in our society.

The PEC further wishes to congratulate Cde Nomvula Mokonyane on her appointment as the Premier of Gauteng. We re-iterate our unwavering support as we have confidence in her leadership abilities. Her role in government, as leader in the ANC and as a former Central Committee Member of the SACP has prepared her to gather enough experience to undertake this task with distinction.

The PEC also noted with concern the decision of the ANC PEC and the Premier on the appointment of the new executive (Provincial Cabinet). Whereas the SACP respects the decision of the ANC, we strongly regret the fact the executive completely excludes any of the current SACP leadership serving in the legislature. The PEC is concerned about the impact of this decision on alliance relations in the province going forward, however, at this stage, given the magnitude and scale of this matter, the SACP will refer the matter to its structures to reflect on it.

The PEC called upon all its structures to go back to the communities as promised during the elections campaign. Its incumbent upon all cadres to support this call and ensure that the Elections Manifesto is implemented to the fullest. As part of our programme, we shall also be focussing on farm evictions. Service delivery issues should top our agenda especially SACP elected representatives. The SACP in the Province will be prioritising the following areas which experience serious service delivery challenges currently:

• Alexandra Women Hostel and Juskei area
• Eldorado Park
• Somali in Ekurhuleni

The PEC noted with concern the escalation of service delivery protests, especially around Gauteng and called for an urgent intervention with the alliance leading such a programme.

The SACP in Gauteng fully supports the action by SAMWU on the wage despute affecting Metro Bus drivers. We hold a view that Metro Bus Management is being irresponsible and failure to resolve this matter mainly affects the working class as they use public transport to go to work. This ineptitude deepens our crisis post elections and will plunge the Provincial Government into chaos. The Executive Mayor should provide leadership and resolve this matter once and for all, he cannot stand on the side. After all, this company is owned by the manicipality and therefore cannot continue to pursue profits at the expense of the workers and commutters. Workers in this sector also deserve decent salaries and we shall continue to support their struggles.

Issued by the Acting Provincial Secretary on behalf of the SACP Gauteng PEC
Jacob Mamabolo: 0828841868

For further comments contact:
Pat Ntsobi: Provincial Spokesperson : 0833754363