Outgoing ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe set the tone of the ANC’s 55th National Conference during the first media briefing of the day, which started around 10:00.

He outlined the rules of the conference, the content of the programme and some issues including the Section 89 report and delegates who took the organisation to court. Mabe also acknowledged the delay in registration of the delegates and mentioned that they were dealing with it.

“The NEC concluded that following the party lines was important for the organisation. Anyone who goes against that undermines the organisation.

“It has happened before. Chris Hani was against the banning of armed struggle but came out in support of it. So we should not use disciplinary actions to stifle any debate in the organisation.

“All members must feel that they belong here and treated fairly. So this matter will be discussed by the incoming NEC because we don’t have enough time to investigate and we don’t want to come across as if we are in a rush to act,” he said.

Caxton Network News | The incoming NEC will deal with the cadres who voted yes to the adoption of the Section 89 report. More to follow. #ANC55 pic.twitter.com/ncknsE0DdR

— Alberton Record (@RecordAlberton) December 16, 2022

He said nothing will collapse the conference and it will conclude its business.

Mabe noted that the registration has not been disrupted but rather that there were a few glitches.

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe says the conference will officially start at 14:00 as delegates make their way into the venue. #ANC55 pic.twitter.com/me8gAcQVjP

— Alberton Record (@RecordAlberton) December 16, 2022

He said the media must not report favourably towards them, however, there must be a smooth working relationship.

“We must work in a comradely manner, showing mutual respect. Also, the notion that we wanted the media to pay to cover this conference is not true. We will never ask the media to pay. This is your space,” he said.

Addressing those members who took the organisation to court, he said they can take their democratic right to go to court, however, they need to come and they can be nominated from the floor.

“If they qualify and meet all the relevant criteria, there’s no problem,” he said.