A Political Reflection By John Fikile Block

The measurement of any collective is not when the executive tasks in the normal course of organisational work, but when leadership is confronted with the execution of mandates in trajectories which requires high political morals and discipline.

I have served with many PEC- collectives since 1991, and I can confidently say that as a leadership we are proud of the single-mindedness with which this particular Provincial Executive Committee has dispense with the challenging responsibilities of directing the appointment of the Premier and Members of the Executive Council, and the subsequent deployment of Mayors and Speakers in municipalities. We remain inspired by the firm loyalty to the ANC, displayed by many councillors, who was not returned to political office.

The adoption of the working document Khotso Pula Nala as a guiding framework for the work of the government has brought about significant developments in the Northern Cape. We have improved our education outcomes dramatically, being the most improved province with Matric results; ensured that Quality Health Care is being realised. Sustained work and progress is being recorded under leadership of our Premier, in the arena of rural development and Land reform; Combating Crime and corruption, and Creation of decent jobs for our people.

At an organisation level, we have managed to convene successful regional conferences in all five of our regions.

We are humbled to lead this collective into the Centenary year of the African National Congress on the 8th of January 2012. This is a rare privilege bestowed by history on our leadership, and is an achievement not only for the ANC but for all liberation movements in the continent and the African people in general.

The ANC, which is the oldest liberation movement in the continent, has had 12 Presidents since 1912. They were John Langalibalele Dube from 1912-1917, Sefako Makgatho from 1917-1924, ZR Mahabane served his first term from1924-1927, Josiah Gumede from 1927-1930, Pixley ka Isaka Seme from 1930-1936, ZR Mahabane`s second from 1937-1940, AB Xuma from 1940-1949, James Moroka from 1949-1952, Albert Luthuli from 1952-1967, Oliver Reginald Tambo from 1967-1991, Nelson Mandela from 1991-1997, Thabo Mbeki from 1997-2007 and Jacob Zuma from 2007 to date. We are particularly pleased that our province will celebrate the Life and Times of Inkosi Albert Luthuli in September 2012.

This indicates the consistency and selflessness for which the African National Congress became known for. We have many more challenges to confront until then we cannot hesitate nor delay our collective effort in creating a better quality of life, for all our people. We appeal to all our members and leaders at all levels to remain focused on the Political and Organisational task of our movement.