The multitude of onslaughts against the ANC - including corruption, state (Gupta) capture, a dislodged centre of power, poor leadership and greed - can be a lot to handle.
Much like the sensationalist headlines in the media, the narratives are almost always encrusted in a bubble of jubilation, opposition toyi-toying and journalistic rhetoric from those among the political elite who want the ANC dead and buried.
But it is also a matter for concern because the public display of the factionalism that is tearing at the heart of the ANC creates a field day for celebrity experts.
For ANC leaders, these challenges present a moment in our history where it is a case of all shoulders to the wheel. The concerns levelled against individuals have been taken extremely seriously and the sentiments that ANC leaders cover up corruption, have no respect for the law and endorse acts of criminality are beginning to give me a migraine that won't go away.Many ANC leaders believe they are duty bound to take all legitimate allegations of corruption seriously, and investigate them within party structures and criminal justice institutions to ensure that those found guilty face the full wrath of the party and the law.
To understand the involvement of business in influencing government, the ANC leadership has resolved that the president constitute a judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture. It was stated clearly that its terms of reference must be broad enough to allow it to investigate the deluge of allegations levelled against all those implicated, including the party's senior leaders.
The resolution asked that this be done without delay. The commission's terms of reference may go beyond the public protector's report in that the inquiry will go as far back as 1994. To accelerate the process, ANC leaders have called for the judicial review of the public protector's report to be accelerated.
Our interests are not only to justify the findings of the state capture report but to understand the depth of business influence on government. This illustrates the serious stance we have adopted with regard to state capture and investigating the allegations thoroughly in line with the principles of transparency and openness.
Much criticism has been levelled by media about bias in structuring the terms of the inquiry as well as the appointment of the judge by the president. The president remains well within the law in this respect. We must have faith in the justice system as this process will be managed by judicial officers and thus may be challenged. The one thing we can all agree on is that this debacle is embarrassing and we will not allow it to continue to bring the party into disrepute.
ANC leaders have a responsibility to take these allegations seriously and ensure there is appropriate, legitimate and credible follow-through.Such a mandate is guided by what ANC members want, not a handful of opportunists. ANC leaders have taken a solemn oath to serve party, people and country. It is clear the party is divided and this division must be settled inside the ANC.
In surging forward, it is essential to recognise that it is fundamentally important for a strong, credible and ethical leadership to unite the ANC. Therefore, it is incumbent on the ANC to go to the change of leadership conference and the upcoming election with purpose and vigour.
The aim must be to choose a leadership collective capable of managing the party, the differing views of members and the changing landscape of community and country. This dynamic of change is not new.
In the ANC, past leaders including Luthuli, Tambo, Mandela and Mbeki have had to address such issues and resolve them by the rules of the party.
In light of the factionalism, there is a need for leadership committed to good and clean governance. This leadership must focus on a renewal of the ANC, taking cognisance of ethical behaviour and integrity.
There is a need to inculcate in us the importance of humble leadership. This leadership must also focus on the ethos and culture of the ANC - where it originates from, the principles for which it stands and how to take the party and the country forward.
Many challenges need addressing in the run-up to the December elective conference. The leaders must stand firm, understand the dynamics and challenges, and, most important, have the courage to do what is morally right. The future of the country now hinges on the type of leadership that will emerge.
The ANC needs to restore the confidence of the people by electing leaders that uphold values of unquestionable morality, respect for the law and the constitution, and commit to selfless service in the best traditions of the founding fathers of the ANC.
It must be a leadership able to rebuild the ANC, heal the wounds of disunity and prepare the ground for an ANC ready not only to retain power, but grow its support in 2019.
As the ruling party, the ANC has a duty to hold all structures of government accountable and uphold its promise of service delivery for all. If those elected do not perform, they must be dealt with accordingly. If those in government are corrupt, they must be called to account using the law. There cannot be tolerance of incompetence, inefficiencies, corruption and criminals in government and party.Another key objective in the repositioning strategy is to do whatever it takes to rebuild our economy. Everyone wins in a prosperous and successful South Africa with a strong and sound economy.
It requires a will and a sound plan to bring back investors, to continue to engage with the private sector to reignite job creation and economic transformation. It requires a relentless pursuit of the targets we have set to double GDP growth by 2030.
Government and state resources must be made accessible to those who need them most: ordinary people, mothers, fathers and the youth who live in poverty; future leaders who want to play a part in our economy but can't get a foot through the door; the children who want to go to school but have to endure hardship in the process; the many people who want to contribute to a prosperous South Africa but can't.
In 2017, this scenario of suffering and hardship is unacceptable. A slow-growing economy, rising unemployment, low investment and the deficit in international investor confidence in our economy must feature as the main economic objectives to address poverty and economic transformation.
Critical to the rebuilding, unification and renewal of the ANC is adherence to the principles and values of what ANC founding father OR Tambo stood for.
• Mkhize is the treasurer-general of the ANC. He writes in his personal capacity..