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SPECIAL EDITIONDecember 18 2017 @mailandguardian mg.co.za ANC NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017 Unity? What unity? Slate politics rule

Page 3 PHOTO: DELWYN VERASAMY 2 Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 ANC National Conference

#SLICEOFLIFE A break in poverty’s circle

I sell ox livers and hearts at home in Dobsonville. I learned to cook from the streets. I went to the spice shop and asked for the best mix so I could sell more of my product. Liver isn’t like chops or any other meat; it’s very sensitive. At first, I made some mistakes, but you improve with mistakes. There was a recipe I was using before but it wasn’t and my customers didn’t like it. Then I changed the kinds of spices I was using. Now they love it. When I was little, we used to go on Sundays and buy liver. My mother used to cook it, but my wife, she’s the best cook, because she has a passion for it. My wife encouraged me to start this catering business. We met at a birthday party; she was turning 21. Her charisma and her sense of humour stood out for me. I didn’t ask her out. She just became my friend, and we started talking to one another. My wife is my treasure. I have a son and two daughters. My son is in the art business. He wrote a book of poetry. I have a copy of it in the car. He’s into poetry, music, rap, all sorts of things. My older daughter is going into grade 12 next year. When I heard that had announced free education, I felt at least something is coming because my wife, she is the only one who is working. She does administration but it doesn’t pay much money. Free education would go a long way for us. If my children can study further — that circle of poverty? — they’ll break it. — Xolani Mantshongo, as told to Laura Lopéz González

Photo: Delwyn Verasamy The best of Twitter from day two Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 3 ANC National Conference Unity? No, its divisive slate politics

Zweli Mkhize said he Voting procedure was hotly debated by delegates in the main declined nomination plenary, with disagreements over for the sake of unity, the electoral commission’s refusal to allow them to enter the voting but he has apparently booth with a list of their preferred made deals with both candidates. The KwaZulu-Natal delegation presidential candidates vociferously made their presence felt on the nomination floor by Paddy Harper, Govan Whittles, shouting down the ANC’s electoral Niren Tolsi & Matuma Letsoalo commission on voting regulations that they disagreed with or when NC treasurer general things were not going their way — ’s shock as did delegates for Ramaphosa and withdrawal from Dlamini-Zuma. the party’s leader- The electoral commission is A appointed by the ANC from among ship race on Sunday is seen to be a calculated move to its veterans. The commission’s boost the hopes of the slate headed chairperson, Sindiso Mfenyana, said by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to take their decision on how to conduct control of the party. voting was inspired by the ANC’s It is expected that some of Mkhize’s commitment to do away with slates supporters, specifically those from and strengthen the organisation at KwaZulu-Natal, will now throw their branch level. weight behind her campaign. The proposal was rejected by As Dlamini-Zuma and Cyril branches from KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa officially confirmed their North West and Mpumalanga, acceptance of nomination as presi- U-turn: Outgoing ANC treasurer Zweli Mkhize (below) was heckled by delegates when he told the ANC which said it would be impossible dent of the party, Mkhize took to the national conference that he was withdrawing from the leadership race. Photos: Oupa Nkosi & Delwyn Verasamy to remember the names of 80 addi- stage to announce his withdrawal tional members of the NEC, thus a from the three-way race for the posi- list of names was required. tion of deputy president. It was clear that provinces were Mpumalanga chairperson David doggedly fighting for anything that Mabuza and national executive would help their factions get ahead committee (NEC) member Lindiwe in the battles for delegates’ opinions Sisulu are left to contest the post. and perceptions. The conference NEC member had hall in Nasrec was a cauldron of earlier declined nomination for sweat and heated emotions. People deputy president in a move seen to were shouted down, others rose in strengthen Sisulu’s bid. song. The Mail & Guardian has estab- lished that Mkhize — who has been t some point the electoral insisting on unity in the party — commission’s Mfenyane recently met the KwaZulu-Natal Awas heckled by a provincial executive committee KwaZulu-Natal delegate: (declared null and void by the court) “Can you remove that man? That and President Jacob Zuma after man must go! That man must go!” he came under fire from Dlamini- Whenever provinces supporting Zuma’s supporters at the province’s Dlamini-Zuma’s slate won a point, general council meeting last month. they would celebrate by rising, point- Mkhize, who at that stage was still ing to their watches and pointing contesting the presidency, was called their palms up in the air with the an opportunist by ousted KwaZulu- song: “Phakama Nkosazana, ixesha Natal chairperson and lisondele! Unity! Unity Maqabana heckled by delegates. Mkhize appar- [Stand up Nkosazana, your time has ently approached Zuma to complain come! Unity! Unity Comrades]”. about the treatment he received and A decision on carrying a list of can- at a subsequent meeting an agree- didate names into the voting booth ment was secured for him to back was deferred until after the election Dlamini-Zuma. of the ANC’s top six officials, follow- It is understood that the ini- on the Dlamini-Zuma slate for the with the Ramaphosa camp, Mkhize stand on the Dlamini-Zuma slate ing an intervention by Pandor. tial agreement was that he would additional 80 NEC seats. had been offered the position of against ANC Gauteng chairperson But outgoing secretary general stand as national chairperson on Mkhize’s campaigners declined finance minister. Paul Mashatile. told the confer- the Dlamini-Zuma slate, but he was to comment but a source close to NEC member Nomvula Two candidates, Febe Potgieter- ence that the ANC constitution then dropped in favour of Nathi him denied that he had reached an Mokonyane declined nomination Gqubule and Vuyiswa Tulelo, empowered the electoral commis- Mthethwa. It is unclear whether agreement with the Dlamini-Zuma as treasurer, clearing the way for declined nomination as deputy sion to determine the rules of voting Mkhize had agreed to be dropped. faction. International Relations Minister secretary general. The post will be and what is allowed in the voting Mkhize has been offered a position In earlier protracted negotiations Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who will contested by the incumbent, Jesse booth. Duarte, who is on the Dlamini-Zuma Pointing to section 14.1.1 of the slate, and labour federation Cosatu ANC Constitution, and perhaps the second deputy president Zingisa intellectualism of some ANC mem- No changes to the party’s top structure Losi. bers, Mantashe chided: “This, I think, The secretary general’s post will is where we are refusing to read.” Delegates did not want to elevate the management of the ANC. The Nearly 5 000 ANC members have be contested by ousted Free State His remarks were quickly coun- individuals instead of strengthen- counterargument was that it is gathered in Nasrec for the party’s chairperson Ace Magashule and tered by NEC member Tony Yengeni, ing the organisation — that is why not necessary and we should find 54th conference, where it will elect former KwaZulu-Natal chairperson who said the conference was the they voted against a proposal to other ways of strengthening the new leaders and attempt to heal , who is part of the highest decision-making body of the create two ANC deputy president organisation,” Saul told the Mail & divisions in its top structures and Ramaphosa slate. ANC and could ignore the electoral positions, said the ANC’s Northern Guardian. among the rank and file. Addressing the conference ple- commission’s proposals. Cape chairperson . Three independent sources con- The proposal to create two nary session at which the nomina- “There is no election commission The conference decided that firmed that the amendments were deputy party president positions tions were made, Mkhize said he had or anyone for that matter that can the party’s national leadership rejected, and that the conference came from President Jacob Zuma decided to withdraw in a bid to pre- make us follow a rule. If conference structure should remain the same, decided to keep the national execu- at the ANC policy conference ear- vent further tensions in the party. does not like it, we don’t have to fol- following a debate on proposed tive committee at 80 members. lier this year. The president argued “I have engaged with a number of low the rule,” Yengeni said. constitutional amendments on The proposal to include two dep- that the extra portfolio was needed comrades who want to contribute The other battle is over whether Sunday. uties in the presidency was meant to accommodate the loser in the towards unity of the ANC. I with- delegates will be required to pro- “The argument was that the cur- to accommodate opposing slates in presidential election contest. draw nomination as deputy presi- vide an identity document and their rent structure is correct. The issue the succession race, while another But he faced resistance from dent,’’ he said. delegate tag before voting, to ensure is not about the structure but the proposal to create two deputy sec- senior ANC leaders such as Human The 4 776 voting delegates cast bogus delegates do not corrupt the personalities — the people who get retary general positions was meant Settlements Minister Lindiwe their votes for the top six officials on outcome. selected into those positions. The to improve oversight and election Sisulu, who said the proposal was Sunday night, with a result expected By the end of the nominations pro- argument was [that] you need to planning at the ANC’s Luthuli not adequately discussed among by Monday morning. Voting for the cess, most delegates had agreed that expand the position to strengthen House headquarters. branches. — Govan Whittles additional 80 NEC members will identity documents were necessary take place later on Monday. during voting. 4 Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 ANC National Conference

Weekenders: Jafta Dlamini (centre) relaxing with his friends in Soweto, as 15km away at Loyalty: Staunch ANC supporter Mapula Selepe is confident that the party will continue to Inthe Nasrec expothe centre ANC delegates gather to make crucial political decisions deliver for the people in the same way it did in bringing an end to apartheid shadow of #ANC54

As Nasrec heats up, residents of nearby Soweto hope for an ANC that will do better

Lucas Ledwaba after burying a neighbour early that morning. avid Philip Majatladi, “The Zuma surname must be 57, wishes the ANC’s erased from the ballot paper,” he 54th national confer- said. “We would rather have [FW] Bitter memories: David Majatladi ence could come up De Klerk. Why is there a second (above) poses at the Hector Dwith a plan to tackle the Zuma [in line for ANC presidency]? Pieterson Museum in front of a high unemployment rate plaguing Why should Zuma’s wife succeed photo taken on June 16 1976 in the youth — particularly in his home, her husband? The ANC is for the which he is among the crowd of Soweto. people, not a family.” protesters. For the residents of On June 16 1976 he was among the Jafta Dlamini, 44, also of Pimville, Soweto (left) it was business as thousands of pupils who took to the hailed the Rea Vaya rapid transport usual, as they went about their streets to protest against the apartheid system introduced to the township daily chores and enjoyed the sun. government’s decision to introduce as one of the ruling party’s suc- Photos: Oupa Nkosi Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. cesses and said he hoped the ANC But as the party’s conference got conference would come up with shot. “This one, Jerry, turned to me under way on Saturday — the coun- new ideas to improve the lives of and said, ‘They’ve hit me, they’ve try’s Day of Reconciliation — he was locals. hit me.’ Jerry died before my eyes. trapped in the township with only R20 Majatladi is unemployed and I still have a bullet in my leg, those in his pocket, far away from the Nasrec broke. He wishes that one of the iron balls they were using to shoot expo centre, the venue of the ANC’s outcomes of the conference would at us, are still in my leg. June 16 conference 15km away. be the creation of jobs. The expres- changed my life. I nearly went mad,” Like many of the township’s resi- sion on his face is solemn and grim Majatladi said. dents, it was business as usual for as he looks at one of the gigantic He said he wished leaders such as Majatladi. photographs on display outside the , Tokyo Sexwale and Although some of the party’s confer- June 16 Memorial Acre in Central would reclaim the ence delegates were accommodated Western Jabavu. ANC. at the University of Johannesburg’s He had walked the short dis- “We suffered with those people in Soweto campus in Pimville, it tance from his home in White City the township. They understand the appeared the vibe of the conference to Central Western Jabavu to chill ANC,” he said. didn’t rub off on many of the town- with friends earlier. On his way In Moletsane, 61-year-old Mapula ship’s residents. back, he stopped at the memorial to Selepe — a staunch ANC supporter Instead, youths got into the festive chat to the M&G. clad in a party T-shirt bearing the season groove, converging at parks, “That’s me there. One, two, three. face of President Jacob Zuma — was street corners, shisa nyama outlets Can you see that? That’s me right hosting relatives. and watering holes to party and drink there,” he points at a youthful She said she wanted the party to hard. man in the middle of a mass of continue looking after the elderly Those interviewed by the Mail & chanting students in the large like her pensioner mother. She is Guardian, however, identified unem- photograph. also concerned about the high levels ployment, nyaope (a cheap and nasty Except for a sprinkling of grey of unemployment, especially among drug plaguing the townships), the hair, he hasn’t changed much. the youth and wishes this would presence of foreigners in the town- “It hurts me. It hurts me a lot. change after the conference. ships, public transport and the state We were looking for freedom, not think only about his family,” said Yet the fruits of the freedom he “To me it doesn’t matter who of schools as some of the key issues democracy,” he said of the student Majatladi. fought for 41 years ago have not been becomes president so long as the they hoped the ANC conference would uprising when police opened fire After June 16, Majatladi fled from as sweet as they have been for some ANC can change the lives of people,” deliberate on. on the marching pupils. his home and even considered going at the Nasrec expo centre. she said. Others like Siyabulela Ronati, 31, “I wish good things must come into political exile. “I’m nothing. I’m nothing,” he said “People make mistakes,” she said expressed strong views on the state out of the conference. They must Like many of the 1976 generation, four more times as he stared sol- about Zuma’s turbulent presidency. of the ANC and the party’s leadership elect good leaders who must stand his life took a turn for the worse after emnly at the imposing photograph. “I will never leave the ANC because succession battle. for the nation. We must get another the events of that day. Fortunately, He is still haunted by memories of even people who don’t vote for the Ronati was having drinks with president who will think about he has managed to educate his four two of the youths in the photograph ANC know what it has done for friends on a street corner in Pimville the people of this country and not children, but two are unemployed. who died before his eyes after being them.” — Mukurukuru Media Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 5 ANC National Conference #ANC54 to turn up the heat up on radical economic change plans

Lisa Steyn without compensation, nationalising ing speculators, and how this can The addition of prescribed assets the source said, adding that it was the Reserve Bank and introducing be done in a way that the state and into ANC policy discussions coin- important to determine whether The ANC national conference is over prescribed assets — a policy which economy can afford. cided with the growing reluctance to introduce prescription or cre- the hurdle of vetting credentials, and would force pension fund managers In the health and education sub- of the private sector to lend to state- ate a regulatory framework that will also soon have appointed new to lend money to dysfunctional state- committee, the question of free owned entities, or buy their bonds — attracted investment. party leadership. But still ahead is a owned entities. higher education will probably pre- particularly as revelations of govern- The debate on land reform, heated debate over divisive policies Regardless of who wins the party’s sent a conundrum. A resolution to ance failures and allegations of state another focal point, would also have proposed in the name of radical eco- leadership race, according to one implement free higher education capture emerged at entities such as to confront the administration’s per- nomic transformation. NEC member, debate about land for the poor and missing-middle Eskom, Denel and SAA. formance on the matter. Most of the fire and fury is likely reform, notably expropriation with- students was to be voted on at But it was important to diagnose Academics Ruth Hall and to play out in the economic transfor- out compensation, prescribed assets, the conference, but on Saturday the actual problem when it came to Themebela Kepe have pointed out mation sectoral commission, which, nationalising the Reserve Bank and President Jacob Zuma announced the debate around prescribed assets, that in recent years there is evi- like the eight other commissions, ownership and transformation of the that it would be implemented from the source said. The challenges at dence of elite capture and state col- will convene shortly after the party mining sector are going to be hot- next year. the state-owned enterprises are lusion with agribusiness in the land announces its new top six. button issues. The Mail & Guardian reported governance-related. reform process. The most contentious proposals The debate over whether to nation- that, in doing so, Zuma appeared to “You have to ask which asset Land beneficiaries do not have put on the economic transforma- alise the Reserve Bank will have to have gone against advice from treas- classes is the financial sector not documented land rights, which in tion table at the policy conference in confront how to buy out the private ury and did not consult the party’s investing in and why, so you can turn affects their ability to access ANC’sJuly included: expropriation of landrunning shareholders without compensat- nationalcosts executive committee. risingidentify the correct prescription,” sharply capital and production financing.

The ruling party’s financial report reveals that the fractured state of the ANC – and the country – is threatening the party’s money flow

Lynley Donnelly & Lisa Steyn he internal battles of the ANC are a risk to the rul- ing party’s struggling financial state, according Tto a copy of the party’s financial report — which the Mail & Guardian obtained prior to its pres- entation to the ANC 54th national conference. The weak financial state of the economy — which critics have blamed in part on President Jacob Zuma’s administration — has also “heavily impacted” donor flows, which account for 65% of the party’s revenues, said the report. The report, which was to be pre- sented by outgoing treasurer general Zweli Mkhize on Sunday, warned that the party’s finances were being undermined by its own internal battles. “Fundraising for the ANC is a political programme dependent on the public appeal of the ‘BRAND ANC’,” the party’s financial report said. “As such challenges of infight- Runaway: The party’s largest operational cost is salaries followed by advertising, but operating costs have risen too, as a result of local government ing, factionalism, misconduct and ill- elections and hiring venues for party events such as the elections manifesto launch (above) in 2016. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy discipline, perceptions of corruption, arrogance and various other ills have Operating costs rose sharply in million from the ANC Women’s owed almost R63-million. “A lot of funds had to be utilised to a negative effect on the support the the current financial year, too; R103- League. Party lawyers have advised The party is also battling a slowing pay off old debts, attend to statutory ANC receives. We need to urgently million was spent in relation to local that the league enter into a payment economic climate. unpaid debt with Sars [the South address these challenges and remain government elections, which took agreement with the agency. “The effects of the subdued eco- African Revenue Service] and the vigilant to avoid the erosion of the place in August last year. The party has been working nomic growth have had a huge Provident Fund, as well settle a lot of support that the ANC enjoys.” The party report said the ANC had hard to manage its debt, including impact on South African companies’ litigation cases for both the ANCYL Despite the risks to the funding been unable to save any of the funds through discussions with creditors earnings and profitability. This in [ANC Youth League] and the ANC,” outlook, the party in fact reported raised. “This has been a result of the and paying monthly instalments on turn has had an impact on the ANC’s the report said. higher revenues than ever before. high operational costs associated money owed. fundraising initiatives,” the financial The report highlighted the impor- Some R521-million was raised in with running the organisation as Legacy debt had built to almost report said. “This does not bode well tance of expanded public funding the year ended March 2017, com- well the paying off of the old debts R250-million but the party has man- for future fundraising initiatives and for political parties “to promote and pared with R395.6-million for the and legal settlements,” it said. aged to reduce this by more than presents a major risk to the ANC’s support democracy. Such funding year before. Nevertheless the party The financial report also shows R175-million, to current levels of just financial stability and cash flow that will be accompanied by full financial was R47-million in the red as a result that the party has settled R68- over R73-million. Of this outstanding must always be mitigated.” accountability and transparency by of rising expenses. million out of R80-million in lawsuit debt, R30-million is a revolving credit After donor funding, Independent political parties, including regula- Operational costs of running the demands. facility for the payment of salaries. Electoral Commission grants make tion of private financing of political movement are stubbornly high, Outstanding debts can be hefty. Nevertheless the ANC still has out- up 17% of ANC revenues, member- parties.” increasing by R407-million since For example, the report says one standing liabilities of about R255- ship fees and levies each bring in 5%, Last month the political party 2008. travel agency is demanding R5.2- million, including money owed to while smaller sources, such as the funding Bill was approved by The report shows the largest cost creditors for the 2014 national elec- Progressive Business Forum, bring in Parliament’s ad-hoc committee on driver since 2013 was salaries and tions and the 2016 local government the rest. political party funding. wages, which grew 34% between elections. Only about one third of mem- The Bill is aimed at regulating January 2013 and October this year. “Fundraising for the About R43-million is a result bership fees collected have been the public and private funding of The salary cost constitutes 31% of the ANC is a political of long-term outstanding debt. repatriated to the provinces, which political parties, including through party’s expenses. Creditors from the 2014 election in return repatriate funds to their prohibiting certain donations made The second-fastest growing programme are owed about R7.8-million, credi- branches, the report noted. But not directly to political parties, as well expense over that period were adver- dependent on the tors from the 2016 election are owed all money owed to branches has been as prohibiting donations from tising and promotions, which had public appeal of almost R59-million, operational repatriated because of the “finan- organs of state, state-owned enter- increased 23%. Events and travel creditors are owed roughly R42- cial constraints” the party has found prises and foreign governments and expenses had each grown by 10%. the ‘BRAND ANC’ ” million and statutory creditors are itself in during the period. agencies. 6 Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 News Mbete looks for greener pastures

The once-avid Zuma supporter is placing her bets with Ramaphosa, but she’s unlikely to succeed

Dineo Bendile against Zuma. Then, Mbete was still counted among his closest allies. he sun appears to be set- During Zuma’s February State of ting on outgoing ANC the Nation address in Parliament, chairperson Baleka Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) TMbete’s working relation- leader hurled a string Wager: Baleka Mbete bet on the wrong horse when she ingratiated herself with Jacob Zuma. Photo: Paul Botes ship with President Jacob of insults at Mbete who, in her capac- Zuma — a relationship that has ity as National Assembly speaker, A CR17 lobbyist said Mbete’s the presidency. It was alleged that any room for her on that team comes been characterised by self-sacrifice, threatened to have the EFF removed endorsement was probably her the ceremony was preceded by Zuma at a time when her capabilities as a empty promises and betrayal. from the chambers. attempt to be considered as promising Mbete that she would leader have already been brought On Saturday, Mbete announced “We are not going to allow you to Ramaphosa’s deputy, which would become his successor. The ANC into question. that she will back deputy president abuse us the whole night. You are be unlikely to happen because she Women’s League was also believed to As speaker she fiercely protected Cyril Ramaphosa to become the next scared of Zuma. He used you, he “didn’t bring the numbers”. be on board with the plan. But, in an Zuma from criticism in Parliament, president at the party’s 54th national dumped you! He promised you that “Her team sees our numbers interview with the M&G earlier this behaviour that has been read as an elective conference. you were going to be president and because they have been trying to year, Mbete denied that Zuma had effort to remain in his good books, “We publicly endorse comrade you went home and slaughtered a meet us. Her team met a couple promised her any position. with the promise of a leadership Cyril Ramaphosa. We have been cow,” Malema ranted. of our guys to say, can she please By January 7 this year it had position as a reward. talking and we have agreed on how Though the rant appeared to be be accommodated as deputy? But become clear that plans had Because of that she found herself to approach the issue of maximising an example of Malema’s usual con- we had already firmed up Lindiwe changed, when the women’s implicated in the Constitutional unity in the organisation,” she said. duct in Parliament, an ANC national [Sisulu],” the lobbyist said. league openly endorsed Nkosazana Court’s ruling on Nkandla, which Her comments were made in executive committee member told Mbete’s endorsement of Dlamini-Zuma as its preferred can- found that she had failed to execute spite of the fact that she was run- the Mail & Guardian that the state- Ramaphosa could also be read as her didate. In the months following that, her duties of holding the executive to ning her own presidential campaign. ments contained a kernel of truth. realising that there is no longer room Zuma made a series of statements account. Although she hadn’t been nomi- “The old man [Zuma] slaughtered for her on Zuma’s team. But how did detailing Dlamini-Zuma’s leadership In 2014 the Democratic Alliance nated by any province, she still had Baleka twice. The time when he put she reach this point? strengths, an indication of his sup- also brought a motion of no confi- a chance of receiving a nomination Kgalema [Motlanthe] in [as deputy Last year, the Hlubi in the Eastern port for her. dence against her, for being biased. from the conference floor. president] he had promised [the Cape held a traditional ceremony for Mbete was also not considered Now, she is fighting for her politi- A year ago, one would have been position] to her. And when Cyril Mbete. She told them that she had for a position on the Dlamini-Zuma cal future — hence her sudden sup- hard-pressed to find Mbete making came in he had promised her [the been approached by “many com- slate. Unfortunately for Mbete, her port for CR17. But it might yet again a declaration that went so starkly position] as well.” rades” to make herself available for realisation that there is no longer be a case of too little, too late. Frenzy of misinformation at the Nasrec expo centre

Athandiwe Saba As thousands of delegates and jour- nalists squirrel away at the high- stakes arena that is the 54th ANC national conference, fake news has reared its ugly head with a barrage of misinformation. The “news” ranges from “Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma wins by a landslide” to “Cyril Ramaphosa heads to the courts to nullify the con- ference”, and even that there will be Liar, liar: On social media (above) supporters of each faction made wild all-out war. claims about the other trying to collapse the conference, while even But this is only the tip of the misin- credible news sites (left) fell into the trap of the fake news web formation iceberg. WhatsApp groups have been flooded with messages, show of support for Dr Nkosazana ing Ramaphosa were on social media purportedly from the two main fac- Dlamini-Zuma. The CR17 lobby claiming that Dlamini-Zuma’s team tions, which have been aggressively is in a panic. It is trying to delay the was delaying the conference to pull touting their preferred candidates conference as far as possible and tricks to subvert “the inevitable”. to the point of creating fake stories collapse it. The writing is on the “Morning leadership, yesterday the about the other and their supposed wall. The NDZ train has the NDZ camp delayed the credentials plots to collapse the conference. numbers.” process deliberately, because they The delay in proceedings on the It goes on to quote sources inside can see that CR has the numbers,” opening day fuelled the misinforma- the ANC. White Monopoly Capital “Bogus delegates in NDZ camp. the Ramaphosa faction, who claim read one of the posts. tion and speculation. that controls CR and hates the revo- Provinces to support: Gauteng/ knowledge of a three-pronged strat- Another post: “NDZ is running Messages on WhatsApp circulated lutionary ANC is determined to make Western Cape/Eastern Cape/ egy to “rob NDZ of a victory”. scared and needs more time to fig- saying that the Dlamini-Zuma “head this conference the decisive stand / Trying for Limpopo There were also stories that lawyers ure out how to steal the election, count across all accredited voting against the movement and only hope which is not in agreement yet. You have already finalised court papers that’s why no credentials will happen delegates is eating at 3 125. The NDZ of the African people.” need five provinces’ confirmation to and prominent judges have been tonight.” victory and the RET [radical eco- Another message: “I suspect that collapse the conference.” asked to preside over the impending Yet another: “Don’t be misled, we nomic transformation] programme these people will eventually form The inherent danger of fake news cases, which will be brought by the are winning this thing. We have 2 941 of action is unstoppable”. their own organisation when they has grown in recent times, especially Dlamini-Zuma faction. delegates and they have less than Another message said: “CR team’s realise that ANC members are not idi- when it plays out in political cam- The story published claimed 2 300 … no compromise.” strategy is to delegitimise the demo- ots and will not allow no white-owned paigns, most notably as it did in the that “Johann Rupert and the Even the reputable Times Online cratic outcomes of the conference. media and untransformed factional United States’ presidential elections, Oppenheimer family are bankrolling fell foul when they erroneously Expect a flurry of court challenges judiciary to determine the outcome of which saw the term “fake news” the sabotage. Bidvest, in which Cyril reported that Ramaphosa had won, and media onslaught, gleefully ena- our democratic processes.” enter the lexicon. Ramaphosa and before the voting had even begun. bled by a shameless and reactionary Another message: “CR camp real- On Sunday, one legitimate have business interests, is alleged to They corrected the mistake, explain- mainstream media. ised they don’t have the numbers. news publication wrote that the be the entity bribing delegates with ing that they had misconstrued ANC “They are already making all man- Hence called for the chairperson’s Ramaphosa faction is trying to money and accommodation at luxu- chairperson Baleka Mbete’s endorse- ner of absurd allegations. Their end- meeting to collapse the conference.” collapse the ANC elective confer- rious hotels.” ment of Ramaphosa as being an ANC game is to fatally weaken and divide Reasons to be given to media: ence after seeing the “overwhelming On the other hand those support- decision. Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 7 ANC National Conference JZ’s fees plan ‘reckless, regressive’

The president’s proposed policy for 2018 on the back of an equally dubious  5IBUGVMMZGSFFIJHIFSFEVDB- working class students” to be those decision by the presidency to only tion be extended to all students from households earning less than lacks the critical foresight to truly lay the release the commission’s report after from households earning less than R350 000 and commits to providing groundwork to improve access to education the medium-term budget policy R350 000 a year, starting with the free education to them, starting with statement. new cohort of entrants in 2018; the incoming cohort. The proposed policy adopted by 5IBUIJHIFSFEVDBUJPOFYQFOEJ- This does not reflect a primary con- COMMENT Judge Jonathan Heher. the presidency further substantiates ture be increased from 0.68% to cern for the welfare of the neediest Seán Mfundza Muller As a matter of good practice, and reports that President Jacob Zuma 1% of annual economic production students. standard government procedure, had preferred advice from a private (GDP) over the next five years; and Under these proposals, in 2018 a he presidency’s announce- large changes in planned public individual linked to the State Security 5IBUUIFSFXJMMCFOPGFFJODSFBTF second-year student from a house- ment on Saturday of fee- expenditure should not happen in Agency and the president’s daughter, for student from households earning hold earning R130 000 may only free education for some the very short period between the over advice from numerous govern- up to R600 000 a year. get limited partial funding, while a Tstudents is bad practice medium-term budget policy state- ment officials — leading to the resig- The first and third proposals first-year student from a household and bad policy. The pro- ment — which outlines the frame- nation of the head of the treasury’s are the crucial ones in relation earning R320 000 will get full fund- posal will not help today’s poor work for government finances over budget office, Michael Sachs. to equity and the demands of the ing. No sophisticated public finance students. And its long-term cost to the next few years — and the budget It is even unclear whether the pro- #FeesMustFall campaign. Just as analysis is required to see that that the economy has simply not been in February. posal was approved by Cabinet and that campaign was criticised for not is far from progressive. Limiting calculated. The announcement was In this context, and the fact that therefore binding on treasury. prioritising the poorest students, the increase in the funding thresh- released in response to the report public finances are under signifi- From a public finance perspective, Zuma has engaged in rhetorical old to first-year students may make and recommendations of the fees cant pressure, the announcement is there are three proposals critical to sleight of hand. the proposal more affordable in the commission chaired by retired extremely irresponsible and comes the 2018 budget: The statement redefines “poor and short term, but it does not help most needy students. Furthermore, the long-term fund- ing implications remain severe and probably unaffordable without cuts to other critical expenditure areas. Similarly, many analysts and experts have already shown and argued over the past two years that government funding used to exempt households earning up to R600 000 a year is regressive; in other words, it shifts public and private resources to better-off households in a way that increases inequality.

inally, the proposal to increase higher education Ffunding to 1% of GDP is wrongheaded and vacuous. Although a number of other sup- posedly credible reports use percent of GDP as a measure — such as the national development plan and fees commission report — it only makes sense if it is the best use of the money in the South African context. The amount of money that should be directed to higher education depends on country-specific factors such as: O The quality of the basic educa- tion system; O The percentage of the population that is of school-going age; O The extent to which universities Ill-considered: University of Johannesburg students march to demand #FeesMustFall. Sean Muller argues that spending more on basic education receive income from fees and other and early childhood development may lead to a greater reduction in poverty than allocating billions to tertiary education. Photo: Daylin Paul sources; and O The proportion of students who can afford to pay fees. NSFAS follows Zuma’s new plan – but with caution More funds for basic education and early childhood development — along with initiatives to support poor Bongekile Macupe cations and communicating with us ple of scenarios in terms of what it Students currently pay back their youth who are neither employed about the new applicants and we will means for NSFAS. I think for us the loans when they earn R30 000 or nor in education — would arguably The National Student Financial Aid process the information. biggest thing out of this is that we more a year. The repayment is 3% lead to greater reductions in poverty Scheme (NSFAS) will reopen appli- “The speed of processing might be move from providing loans and bur- of their annual salary increasing to and inequality than allocating more cations for next year following the impacted in terms of making a deci- saries to purely providing bursaries a maximum of 8% when their salary money to universities. announcement by President Jacob sion to award, but the pronounce- in the form of grants,” he said. reaches R59 300 or more a year. It is also notable that there is no Zuma on Saturday of free education ment is there and we are saying Zwane said the scheme would be Zwane said the scheme would sense of how much the proposals for poor and working-class first-year universities must take students in busy over the festive season analys- seek clarity from the department of would contribute to an increase in students in 2018. terms of the capacity they have,” said ing, defining and finding ways to higher education and training on the percentage of GDP allocated This comes after Zuma announced Zwane. make sure that, whatever had been what is going to happen to those who to higher education. That would in a statement that the new defi- The presidency also announced pronounced, “we can deliver on it”. are no longer students and whether require modelling, which, by virtue nition for poor and working-class that loans given to students funded “More importantly is the fact that their debt would be wiped clean or of bypassing the treasury, has prob- students is now a combined annual by NSFAS in their further years of we always believed that free educa- continue. ably not been done. This reflects the income of up to R350 000. study would be converted to 100% tion for the poor and working class He said the NSFAS board, execu- broader lack of substance or analysis The current NSFAS threshold grants “effective immediately”. was our mandate and we believe tives of the scheme and the depart- accompanying Zuma’s statement. is R122 000 but this is expected to Zwane said NSFAS was ready to NSFAS has always played that part. ment would meet on Monday, where Given all the above — and leaving change as from next year. implement this because it was an If you look at the money that we the issue will be raised. aside the many political considera- The chief executive of NSFAS, opportunity to fund more students. are owed, we have been providing But even those who will be part of tions that may well be behind this Steven Zwane, told the Mail & This year, NSFAS funded more free education over the years,” said implementing Zuma’s plans are not recent move — it should be clear that Guardian yesterday that, following than 460 000 students. Zwane. optimistic. the president’s announcement is Zuma’s announcement, those stu- “We knew from the [Judge The scheme is currently owed R29- A senior executive at the depart- irresponsible and regressive. dents who had missed the August Jonathan] Heher report … that billion as per its 2016-2017 annual ment of higher education and train- There are more equitable and deadline for applications will be some action had to be taken around report. He said the announcement by ing, who asked to remain anony- affordable ways of improving access allowed to apply for funding through this. So we were able to write our Zuma now means that, for everybody mous, said the plans announced by and outcomes in education in ways their universities. perspective … and shared with the who is currently funded by NSFAS, Zuma where “populist” and would that do not undermine the national “Our responsibility is to articulate minister [Hlengiwe Mkhize] through their loan gets “wiped out”. not work. budgeting process. to the universities what informa- the board chair [Sizwe Nxasana] in Currently 40% of NSFAS loans are “What’s going to happen is that all tion we require for us to capture the terms of what we perceived as the converted to grants if a university of this can work for 2018 but by 2019 Seán Mfundza Muller is a senior information and make a decision. So implications. student passes their first and second it would have collapsed. It’s pop- lecturer in economics and research universities and TVET [Technical, “So when we got the pronounce- year of study, and the loan in final ulism, he does not care how the next associate at the Public and Environ- Vocational, Education and Training] ment by the president we had year is converted into a grant if the person is going to do this,” said the mental Economics Research Centre colleges will be receiving the appli- already started working on a cou- student passes their final year. insider. at the University of Johannesburg 8 Mail & Guardian Special Edition December 18 2017 ANC National Conference Phantsi, party poopers, phantsi

The Mail & Guardian’s series of satirical first-hand accounts of the ANC’s national conference through the eyes of insiders continues with another delegate update, this time from a KwaZulu-Natal branch member who has been bounced from conference, Double-Cross Ndlozi

he velvet rope can shred you like barbed wire. Not physically, as when the elders were scrambling around Angolan battlefields, but Temotionally. In these fragile times, when the battleground for the national democratic revolution has moved from Cuito Cuanavale to Cubaña, a sin- gle rejection can cause the ego to crumple like a “pick me” under ANC Youth League president Collen Maine. First I couldn’t get into the VIP section at Cubaña after some CR17 supporters com- mandeered the place. In homage to the revo- lutionary spirit of the French and Cubans, they quaff ed vintage champagne and smoked Cohiba cigars. I wonder if revolutionary comrades from those countries celebrate with similar nods to by inserting gold teeth into their mouths and diamonds on the soles of their shoes. The girls at Cubaña seemed to be younger than the whisky being drunk, but I didn’t get to chat to any of them. The bouncers spotted my amashoba on my upper arms and below the knee and fi gured me for a KwaZulu-Natal sup- porter of uMama, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. Judging by the invites, which had pictures of a leery Maine trying to get to grips with the strategy and tactics of “video vixen” Nicole Nyaba, I thought this was a 100% uMama jol. But then the league sent out a press release as if it was tomato sauce and fi re bullets more drinking, waking up to brown envelopes deli- world being read out. I was in full agreement that “noted” the invitation and confirmed it often than uBaba on a love mission behind cately slipped under our hotel room doors and because if you don’t have credentials you don’t had been booked in its name, before placing on enemy sheets. “blessings upon blessings” from the panty- know who your friends are, and if you don’t record that it had “not organised an [sic] party uBaba’s tokoloshe, ANC KwaZulu-Natal preneurs wandering around the outskirts. know who your friends are should you be lis- on the eve of the ANC conference”. chairperson Sihle Zikalala, had told all us KZN Instead. I’m bounced again. Seems these tening to them? “The national leadership of the ANCYL can delegates to wear amashoba so as to appear bloody counterrevolutionary judges don’t want It was proper heated and I was a bit afraid confi rm it is not them but is not in a position broader than we are to our enemies at the con- us to participate in the conference because for Comrade Jessie’s safety — Zikalala is so to say that who has booked under the ANCYL ference, while evoking the spirit of King Shaka we’re good at shutting comrades up — and out short that if he tried head-butting the Bride of [sic],” it concluded in typically decisive fashion. and the Zulu impi. of the ANC. Chucky-sized Duarte, he’d probably knock the Either they’re still smarting from an earful All it evoked was a dry mouth and a trudge It’s bitter medicine, I can tell you. uBaba’s lunch-stuffi ng out her stomach. from Uncle Gweezy about having respect for back from the club. Towards more rejection. tokoloshe tried to win back some ground by Our KZN impi is getting desperate. Where the conference or Maine and his cohort have As a member of the ANC KwaZulu-Natal raising obstructionist points of order during once we sang songs of fi re and looting we’re been outfl anked by some CR17 youth leaguers. provincial executive committee this confer- plenary about there not being consensus on the now more silent than a concussed Eastern That Oros is the only person I know who can ence was supposed to be a holiday away from conference programme. Cape delegate lying under a chair. I worry that, make lemons from a fruit juice mix. Gauteng the beach: a spot of singing (down opponents), He faced down deputy secretary general after the momentum of the “Zunami”, times comrades are too soft to do war properly. a bit of dancing (with decorum, and without Jessie Duarte and objected to the messages of may be changing. The tide may be going out In KwaZulu-Natal, we know. We spill blood bums exposed), a fair bit of Gupta-sponsored support from our comrades from around the leaving just the detritus and dirt behind.

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