Cape Town – ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the governing party ought to have taken swifter measures to counteract corruption.
Mbalula made the remarks while speaking to the media during the official unveiling of the 2019 elections manifesto review on Thursday.
Speaking under the theme “The Year of Decisive Action to Advance the People’s Interests and Renew Our Movement”, Mbalula acknowledged that over the past 25 years, South Africa had made improvements but could have achieved more progress in terms of quality of services and speed.
“Over twenty-five years, South Africa has improved most people’s lives. Much of the momentum of change was sustained during the last ten years, though we could have moved faster, and the quality of services could have been much better.
“Regrettably, there were also reversals in some critical areas,” said Mbalula.
[WATCH LIVE] ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addresses members of the media to unveil the 2019 Election Manifesto Review Campaign. #VoteANC #ANCAtWork https://t.co/FNcSLY89Nk
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Cde Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 10, 2023
He admitted that the ANC should have been more proactive in preventing the erosion of integrity within state institutions, businesses, and political formations.
“As a nation, we have learned the harsh impact on society and economy arising from the loss of integrity in State institutions, business, as well as in political and other formations. We have learned hard lessons about the vigilance needed to stop creeping lawlessness, greed, and selfishness from taking root,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula acknowledged public criticism and vowed to make this a time of renewal and hope.
“We were remiss in not preventing a drift from the compass of integrity that inspired the generation whose mission was to achieve a democratic and inclusive society. We have heard the cries of millions about things that went wrong. We accept the criticisms. Having learned from both the good and bad of the past twenty-five years. Informed by our history of commitment to the people’s cause, we are resolved to make this an era of renewal and hope.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
