Proposal for ten-year term for ANC's top six divides Western Cape leaders

10 December 2012 - 11:14 By Sapa
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The top six elected at Polokwane in 2007 were, from left, Thandi Modise, Gwede Mantashe, Baleka Mbete, Jacob Zuma , Kgalema Motlanthe and Mathews Phosa. File photo.
The top six elected at Polokwane in 2007 were, from left, Thandi Modise, Gwede Mantashe, Baleka Mbete, Jacob Zuma , Kgalema Motlanthe and Mathews Phosa. File photo.
Image: SIMPHIWE NKWALI

Western Cape ANC leaders are divided on a proposal to allow the party's top six to serve an unbroken 10-year-term, it was reported on Monday.

The Cape Times reported that provincial secretary Songezo Mjongile was against his chairman Marius Fransman's proposal for national executive committee members to be elected every five years and the top six every 10.

Fransman reportedly wanted to take the proposal to the party's 53rd elective conference in Mangaung this week, and said it would stabilise the ANC.

However, Mjongile said the proposal did not reflect the views of the province.

"It is not a provincial position at all. If we take such a position, it will be undemocratic. It is draconian... it is akin to dictatorship," he said.

The secretary said that toying with such an idea would lead to changing the constitution and electing "life presidents".

Fransman told the newspaper he could not believe Mjongile's comments.

"It is politically stupid. It is stupidity at its highest level. If anyone says there has been no instability in the last two years and the last few months, it is being stupid. I stand by what I say."

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