Deputy President, Cde Paul Mashatile; Secretary General, Cde Fikile Mbalula;

National Chairperson, Cde Gwede Mantashe; Deputy Secretaries General, Cde Nomvula Mokonyane

Treasurer General, Cde Gwen Ramokgopa; Members of the National Executive Committee; Let me begin tonight’s Closing Remarks to the National Executive Committee of the ANC by congratulating the Springboks for the exhilarating victory against France in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals last night.

I also want to congratulate the Proteas who are also showing a sterling performance at the Cricket World Cup in India. Both the Proteas and Springboks will be facing England in their next fixtures. I call on all South Africans to stand united behind both teams and show tremendous support from all sectors of our society. Sport enhances our country’s ongoing efforts to promote nation-building and social cohesion.

It is when our teams participate in global sporting events that we come to appreciate the progress that our country has made towards the building of national identity and moving together as one nation, united in our diversity.

This NEC takes place at a time when the world is going through significant change and increasing global instability due to a confluence of different factors, including escalating conflicts and climate disasters across several parts of the globe. The world is still reeling from the devastating impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This war still rages on and there is no end on sight.

The ANC reiterates its call that the war should come to an end immediately through a peaceful dialogue. As we have said before, we have all been affected, in varying degrees, by the war. Most recently, we have also witnessed the unprecedented escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The ANC NEC has condemned, in strongest terms, the brutal killing of civilians by Hamas.

The ANC has also been perturbed by the genocidal and atrocious activities of the State of Israel which are being directed indiscriminately at Palestinian citizens, shutting them off from all means of livelihoods.

See full speech attached.