ANC stalwarts want to engage with ANC structures at all levels to try and unite the party towards its ideals as a movement in post-apartheid South Africa.
Former Cabinet Minister Dr Sydney Mufamadi says that ANC stalwarts cannot be taken lightly due to their experience as members of the country's governing party.
Over the long period of the ANC's existence, it has had generations of leaders and members, and their lived experience collectively has been a valued resource to the well-being of the organization, but also to many in South African society who regard the ANC as a very important organization in the life of the nation
— Dr Sydney Mufamadi, ANC stalwart
Describing the role of the ANC stalwarts, Dr Mufamadi says that while several of the stalwarts are not in the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC), they are recognised in communities as leaders of the party.
These are people who are naturally expected, especially in moments where things do not appear to be going well, to make their own experience inside available as a resource to help address challenges facing our people, facing our movement
— Dr Sydney Mufamadi, ANC stalwart
Dr Mufamadi says that ANC stalwarts are expected to speak out in trying times and to assist the ANC's leadership to overcome challenges the party experiences.
The contribution we seek to make is one which seeks to assist the process which the ANC committed itself to, the process of introspection.
— Dr Sydney Mufamadi, ANC stalwart
Dr Mufamadi says that ANC stalwarts are also concerned about instances where the party has not behaved in a way which encourages friendly relations between itself and other organized formations in South African society.
A healthier ANC is an important element of the equation of stabilizing South Africa
— Dr Sydney Mufamadi, ANC stalwart
Listen to the conversation below: