Welkom - The media was describing the situation within the ANC as a crisis, but the party itself did not see it this way, ANC president Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
"We have a problem that the media calls it a crisis. Because some individuals decided to declare that 'we are leaving the ANC', it is not a crisis."
Zuma said it was not the first time in the ANC that cadres at leadership level had decided to leave the party.
Those who were leaving were not doing so because of policy differences.
"They are not talking about a situation of policy differences. We are talking about people who feel they were not elected. They are not used to [not being] elected."
Zuma said it was a situation that the party would deal with as time went on.
"The ANC is very much alive," Zuma told journalists after addressing several hundred party supporters during a youth rally in Thabong, Welkom.
ANC policies 'are tested'
Nevertheless, Zuma urged ANC members that it was "important" they work tirelessly to make it a stronger and a more united organisation.
He said the ANC was the oldest organisation members knew and that they knew its weaknesses and its strengths.
"It should take a lot from a voter to vote for something you do not know," Zuma said referring to those members who were planning a new party.
"Organisations come and go. The ANC has policies that are tested in the struggle and also tested in government."
He also appealed to ANC members to behave well because the party had nothing to lose. "Members of the ANC, no matter how provoked they are, must behave."
Zuma confirmed that former president Thabo Mbeki had written a letter to him about dissidents who had decided to leave the ANC.
In the letter it is believed Mbeki said the group did not have his blessing.
"So, he has made that point, but I do not think I would like to discuss his letter in public," Zuma said.
'Your vote is no secret'
Speaking to the youth, Zuma said the next administration would not allow young people to loiter in the streets during school time.
He said young people should spend less time in taverns and be more active in schools. "They must prepare for the future. We cannot waste our youth."
He urged the young to register for the upcoming election and to vote.
Many supporters were dressed in white, yellow, and red and black t-shirts, bearing slogans reading: "Stop the political trial. Drop all charges". Others said "Jacob Zuma for President in 2009","100 percent JZ" and "Your vote is no secret. Jacob Zuma X".
- SAPA
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