Constitution of the ANC
"I, […], solemnly declare that I will abide by the aims and objectives of the African National Congress as set out in the Constitution, the Freedom Charter and other duly adopted policy positions, that I am joining the Organisation voluntarily and without motives of material advantage or personal gain, that I agree to respect the Constitution and the structures and to work
as a loyal member of the Organisation, that I will place my energies and skills at the disposal of the Organisation and carry out tasks given to me, that I will work towards making the ANC an even more effective instrument of liberation in the hands of the people, and that I will defend the unity and integrity of the Organisation and its principles, and combat any tendency towards disruption and factionalism". The basic objectives of ANC policy are fourfold:
•To strive for the achievement of the right of all South Africans, as a whole, to political and economic self-determination in a united South Africa;
•To overcome the legacy of inequality and injustice created by colonialism and apartheid, in a swift, progressive and principled way;
•To develop a sustainable economy and state infrastructure that will progressively improve the quality of life of all South Africans; and,
•To encourage the flourishing of the feeling that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, to promote a common loyalty to and pride in the country and to create a universal sense of freedom and security within its borders. On the contrary, the future of our country depends on the harmonious and simultaneous realisation of all four. The advancement of the majority of people will, in the medium-and-long-term, release hitherto untapped and suppressed talents and energies that will both boost and diversify the economy. Developing the economy will, in turn, provide the basis for overcoming the divisions of the past without creating new ones. Finally, the achievement of a genuine sense of national unity depends on all of us working together to overcome the inequalities created by apartheid. The beacons guiding these advances are equal rights, non- racialism, non-sexism, democracy and mutual respect. A broad, inclusive approach, free of arrogance or complexes of superiority or inferiority, is fundamental. We have to develop a truly South African vision of our country, one which is not distorted by the prejudices and sectarianism that has guided viewpoints on race and gender, in the past. We have to rely on the wisdom, life experiences, talents and know- how of all South Africans, women and men. There can be no "apartheid" in finding solutions to the problems created by apartheid. Rule 5 RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS
5.1 Rights:
5.1 A member shall be entitled to:
5.1.1 Take a full and active part in the discussion, formulation and implementation of the policies of the ANC;
5.1.2 Receive and impart information on all aspects of ANC policy and activities;
5.1.3 Offer constructive criticism of any member, official, policy programme or activity of the ANC within its structures;
5.1.4 Take part in elections and be elected or appointed to any committee, structure, commission or delegation of the ANC; and
5.1.5 Submit proposals or statements to the Branch, Province, Region or NEC, provided such proposals or statements are submitted through the appropriate structures.
5.2 Duties
5.2 A member of the ANC shall:
5.2.1 Belong to and take an active part in the life of his or her Branch;
5.2.2 Take all necessary steps to understand and carry out the aims, policies and programmes of the ANC;
5.2.3 Explain the aims, policies and programmes of the ANC to the people;
5.2.4 Deepen his or her understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic problems of the country;
5.2.5 Combat propaganda detrimental to the interests of the ANC and defend the policies, aims and programme of the ANC;
5.2.6 Fight against racism, tribal chauvinism, sexism, religious and political intolerance or any other form of discrimination or chauvinism;
5.2.7 Observe discipline, behave honestly and carry out loyally the decisions of the majority and decisions of higher bodies; and
5.2.8 Inform his or her Branch of movement of residence to any area outside his/her Branch and report to the Branch Committee Secretary on arriving at the new area.
5.3 All members shall ensure that they are registered as voters in the constituency in which they live.
5.4 ANC members who hold elective office in any sphere of governance at national, provincial or local level are required to be members of the appropriate caucus, to function within its rules and to abide by its decisions under the general provisions of this Constitution and the constitutional structures of the ANC. Discussions on the page will take this form:
Mondays – Character of the ANC
Tuesdays – Economic Transformation Communication
Wednesdays – Social Transformation Communication
Thursdays - Governance Communication
Fridays – Caucus on the spot
