VEREENIGING.- ANC Member of Parliament (MP) and National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Khusela Diko, joined by the ANC Sedibeng Regional Secretary, Jason Mkhwane, engaged in a gathering of the ‘Middle Strata’ recently.

The event brought together professionals, academics and members of the business community under the theme: “Making Municipalities Engines of Job Creation and Investment.”

The event was overseen by Regional Executive Committee member, Makhosonke Sangweni, and organised by ANC stalwart and academic Dr Sekolanyane; the engagement was in many ways more than a gathering of professionals and intellectuals. It was an important moment of reflection on the historical contribution, present responsibilities and future role of the Middle Strata in the renewal of the ANC, the party said.

Sedibeng ANC said the history of the ANC cannot be told fully without acknowledging the contribution of the educated, professional and intellectual strata who, alongside workers, peasants, traditional leaders and other progressive forces, helped shape the political consciousness, organisation and struggle that gave rise to the ANC in 1912.

“From the early African intellectuals who challenged colonial exclusion to the teachers, lawyers, academics, clergy and other professionals who contributed to the liberation struggle, this sector has formed part of the ANC’s rich and diverse historical foundation.”

The party further said that if the ANC is to reclaim its historic position as a leader of society, it must strengthen its relationship with professionals, academics, entrepreneurs and other sections of the Middle Strata, while deepening its bonds with workers, the poor, the youth, women and rural communities.

“Today’s engagement in Sedibeng was therefore an important step in a wider conversation about how municipalities can become engines of job creation and investment, and how the knowledge, skills and resources within society can be mobilised to advance local economic development. The renewal of the ANC demands that we recover the lessons of our history, rebuild meaningful social connections and create a movement capable of responding to the aspirations of all South Africans. The middle strata have a history in the ANC. They have a role in its present, and they must have a meaningful place in shaping its future.”

* The Middle Strata is defined as the social group that sits between the working/lower class and the upper class in a society’s hierarchical structure.