Statement of the African National Congress following special meeting of the National

Executive Committee held on the 12th February 2018

13 February 2018

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) convened a
special meeting on Monday, 12th February 2018 at the Saint George Hotel, Tshwane. The meeting
was called to reflect on the current situation as it pertains to the position of the President of the
Republic of South Africa, Comrade Jacob Zuma.
The NEC received a report from the Officials on their engagement with President Zuma. These
engagements had been informed by the commitment to pursue firstly the interest of the country
and the ANC and the determination to handle the matter with utmost dignity.
The NEC noted the report of the Officials that the President had agreed in principle to resign and
had proposed time frames extending from three to six months. While appreciating President
Zuma’s proposal, the NEC noted that South Africa is going through a period of uncertainty and
anxiety as a result of the unresolved matter of transition. Further that this uncertainty and anxiety
will erode the renewed hope and confidence among South Africans since the 54th National
Conference of the ANC.
The National Executive Committee firmly believes that this situation requires us to act with urgency
in order to steer our country towards greater levels of unity, renewal and hope. We are determined
to restore the integrity of the public institutions, create political stability and urgent economic
recovery. Some of the matters we are contending with are the opportunistic manoeuvers by the
opposition in parliament including motions of no confidence in the President, calls for dissolution
for parliament and other desperate acts. The ANC’s approach to this matter has, at all times, been
informed by the interests of the South African people.
Sensitive of the need to handle this matter with dignity, the NEC once again sent a delegation to
brief the President Jacob Zuma about the need to shorten the timeframes so that this matter is
speedily resolved. The NEC received feedback from the delegation that the President of the
Republic did not accede to a shorter time frame.
The NEC therefore decided as follows:
 To recall its deployee, Comrade Jacob Zuma, in accordance with Rule 12.2.21.2 of the
ANC Constitution, which accords the NEC the authority to “recall any public
representative”.
 There should be continuing interaction between the officials of the ANC and the President
of the Republic.
The decision by the NEC to recall its deployee was taken only after exhaustive discussion on the
impact such a recall would have on the country, the ANC and the functioning of government.
The decision of the NEC provides certainty to the people of South Africa at a time when the
economic and social challenges facing the country require urgent and resolute response by all
sections of society.
It is critical that South Africans are united around the task of growth, job creation and economic
transformation.
This decision will be communicated publicly and through appropriate forums to all structures of the
ANC, Alliance Structures and all the Mass Democratic Formations.
All necessary parliamentary processes that arise from this decision will now ensue.
Issued by
Ace Magashule
Secretary General
African National Congress
Enquiries
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National Spokesperson