Western Cape Council Members Support for Stability

Statement by Western Cape Provincial Council Members

We hereby confirm that we as provincial council members distance ourselves from an inter-provincial meeting that will purportedly take place on 29 June 2014.

We also call for those organising and participating in the 29 June 2014 meeting to be held accountable for sowing discord amongst the ranks in Agang SA and for purposefully attempting to take over the party via unconstitutional means.

Furthermore, we wish to extend our unequivocal support for our President, Dr. Mamphela Ramphele and her efforts to re-build the party and take it forward to 2016 local goverment elections. We must seek inspiration from her vision to re-align the political landscape in South African politics and offer voters a credible alternative.

We strongly believe that the way forward is to stabilize the party's finances and getting member records in order so we can run proper democratic elective conferences at provincial and national level, and decide on a constitution with full participation of the members. We cannot run any form of democratic process without solving these problems and therefore stand behind the presidential task team in its important work.

1) Andrew Arnolds
2) Vida Arnolds
3) Johannes Pick
4) Theunis Mack
5) Thamsanqa Marthinus
6) Efraim Heunis
7) Simphiwe
8) Nyameka Mguzulo
9) Zozo Nocanda
10) Nolwando Nyameka
11) Balu Nivison
12) Adele Campbell
13) Jannie Hendricks
14) Duncan Speelman

Provincial Leadership supports Dr Ramphele

STATEMENT BY PROVINCIAL LEADERS OPPOSING THE 29 JUNE “INTERPROVINCIAL” MEETING

We hereby confirm that we as Provinces distance ourselves from an interprovincial meeting that will purportedly take place on 29 June 2014.   The meeting lacks support of the majority of the provincial structures, is improperly constituted and unconstitutional, and called by certain individuals without a mandate from their constituents to do so.

Make no mistake, the meeting was called by a dissident group who have infiltrated Agang SA and whose mission it is to ultimately destroy the party. 

In particular the meeting was called by Tshepo Tsetlai deputy chair of Gauteng without a mandate to do so from a majority of the Gauteng structures and provincial coordinating committee.  Peter Makwele, another individual who has publically called for the meeting has no standing to do so and is not on the Gauteng provincial executive despite his claim to the contrary.

We also call for those organising and participating in the 29 June 2014 meeting to be held accountable for sowing discord amongst the ranks in Agang SA and for purposefully attempting to take over the party via unconstitutional means.

Furthermore, we wish to extend our unequivocal support for our President, Dr. Mamphela Ramphele and her efforts to re-build the party and take it forward to 2016 local government elections.  We must seek inspiration from her vision to re-align the political landscape in South African politics and offer voters a credible alternative.

We strongly believe that the way forward is to stabilize the party’s finances and get member records in order so we can run proper democratic elective conferences at provincial and national level, and decide a constitution with full participation of the members. We cannot run any form of democratic process without solving these problems and therefore stand behind the presidential task team in its important work.

Sincerely,
Boy Jacobs – Chair North West Province 
Tebogo Maano – Secretary North West Province
Moses Majenge – Chairperson Free State
Amos Marumo – Secretary Free State
Thato Mtoba – Chairperson KZN
Unathi Mnqanqeni – Chairperson Eastern Cape
Lwandisa Monqo – Secretary Eastern Cape
Thabiso Seoka - Chairperson Gauteng Province
Mongezi Mayoli – Secretary Gauteng Province

Agang Reconstitutes NEC

Cape Town, 27 June 2014

To: All Provincial Structures – AgangSA Members

The Presidential Task Team wishes to confirm herewith the following as per minutes of the NEC meeting held Wednesday 25th June 2014:

The preliminary scoping report identified leadership gaps in the organogram of AgangSA as per the Conference Convening Constitution.

This included key positions of Secretary General, National Treasurer, National Policy Convenor. In addition to which there were gaps in the Disciplinary Action Committee and overlapping roles of having three spokespersons. The proposal that members of the task team be seconded to immediately fill the vacant positions was well received by the NEC to immediately reduce volatility and enhance stability to drive the organisation toward a national conference where elections will be held. Therefore, it was resolved that the NEC is reconstituted to include the members:

1. Policy Convenor:  Rorisang Tshabalala
2. Media Spokesperson: Philip Machani​c​k 
3. Treasurer: Yunus Vollenhoven
4. Secretary General: Dan Habedi
5. Deputy Secretary General: Shamani Mashishe (to support Dan Habedi)
6. National Disciplinary Convenor: Jock McConnachie

These members together with the President, Deputy President, Chairperson, the Women and Youth Convenors form the reconstituted NEC to take the organization forward into a conference where members will be democratically elected to the NEC as per the constitution. It was also resolved that Nyameka Mgozulu serve as youth and women's convenor, and Angela Pitsi will serve as training and entrepreneurs convenor.

​Provincial co-ordinators​ on the task team ha​ve​ begun the process of consulting with formal provincial structures for co-option of two provincial leaders per province to serve on the task team. The intention is to ultimately strengthen and broaden provincial representation on the NEC through proper processes in accordance with the constitution.

Two committees will also be formed within the NEC, a “Conference Logistics Committee” and a “Constitution Drafting Committee” to drive processes towards Provincial and National conferences. These committees will report to Advocate Jock McConnachie who will also serve as legal advisor on the NEC.

Lastly, the NEC confirmed the appointment of Brett Field (Secretary of CoJ) as the new IEC party liaison officer. The IEC has been notified accordingly.

The task team has been working round the clock since its first meeting on Monday to systematically address the burning issues raised by members in accordance with proper structures and channels. While we have taken some significant steps to move AgangSA forward, there is a lot more work to be done in the three weeks ahead and we look forward to your continued support.

Sincerely,

AgangSA task-team

Task team broadens its participation

AGANG PRESIDENTIAL TASK TEAM

Friday, 27^th June 2014

Dear Citizens,

 

The Agang Presidential Task Team hereby wishes to inform our provincial leaders of our leader’s decision in respect of Sunday’s interprovincial meeting.

 

Firstly, that the meeting is unconstitutional and has no standing.

 

Secondly, that the following provinces have openly expressed their support for MAR as party President who has called for members to not support any meetings held outside of the proper structures provided for by the Conference Convening Constitution.

 

The following provinces have pledged their full support for the task team, MAR and AgangSA in open statements in the media and member channels and we value this.

North West

•  ​Boy Jacobs – Chair North West Province
• Tebogo Maano – Secretary North West Province

Free State

• Moses Majenge – Chairperson Free State
• Amos Marumo – Secretary Free State

KZN

• Thato Mtoba  – Chairperson KZN 

Eastern Cape

• Unathi Mnqanqeni – Chairperson Eastern Cape 

• Lwandisa Monqo – Secretary Eastern Cape

Gauteng

• Thabiso Seoka - Chairperson Gauteng Province 

• Mongezi Mayoli – Secretary Gauteng Province

As the task team coordinators for the provincial structures, we value your support and assistance to uphold the leadership principles of the Party

 

Moving forward, there is a process to broaden participation in the Agang task team by including two leaders from each province. Furthermore, the task team will be meeting with all provincial structures to audit each region, assess capacity and explore ways to strengthen and mobilize members. ​

NEC update

MEMORANDUM TO AGANGSA MEMBERS

In the interest of strengthening member communication, the presidential task-team hereby wishes to share with members the following initiatives undertaken today:

1.   An NEC meeting was held last night to receive the preliminary scoping report which was welcomed by the president and NEC members. The media have reported on this in line with the media statement that was issued today which reflects the organizations challenges.

2.     A notification was sent to all provincial structures updating them on the resolutions taken as per the minutes of the NEC meeting. This includes calling the proposed interprovincial meeting of 29 June 2014 unconstitutional.

3.    The Facebook page and the Twitter account were also updated with this letter and we posted a video with a presidential message on Youtube.  

4.    On the blog of the presidential task-team we are posting copies of these communications as well as media releases please see www.agangsa-taskteam.org

5.     A notification was issued to confirm that the suspension of members Thabiso Seoka and Mongezi Mayoli was invalid and their membership was confirmed in good standing as per the minutes of the NEC meeting.

6.     Conversations were held with debtors and creditors, bankers and regulatory bodies to discuss the way forward on financial issues given some 12 Million debt raised in the report.  

7.   A proposal is being explored to call on members and AgangSA supporters to make a monthly contribution however small to assist the party meet its financial obligations.

8.   A letter has also been sent to the speaker of the National Assembly to request support and guidance for AgangSA to ensure that its two MP seats contribute to the strengthening of ethical leadership and democracy.

9.   The task team is working around the clock with limited resources all in a volunteer capacity supported by academics, futurists and the goodwill of ordinary citizens willing to lend a hand to secure the future voted for by 52 350 citizens of South Africa. Any contributions financial, infrastructure, professional expertise and moral support are most welcome. Please communicate with us via agangtaskteam@gmail.com and follow us on Twitter, like AgangSA`s page on Facebook and log in to Youtube to see the video posted today of Dr Ramphele`s message to you.

The AgangSA presidential task-team assures you of our best.

Sincerely

Merle O`Brien

Convenor AgangSA Presidential Task Team

Unconstitutional meeting: 29 June 2014

Cape Town, 26 June 2014 

Attention: AgangSA Provincial Structures

The minutes of the NEC meeting have been received dated 25 June 2014 in terms of which the following resolutions were made:

1. The IEC has been notified of the updated constitution being the conference convening constitution. This is the only valid constitution drafted by the national advisory council led by Mike Tshishonga (including Kylie Chan, Tsepiso Ramphele and Andrew Gasnolar). 
2. The NEC has resolved that the meeting to be held in Johannesburg on Sunday 29 June 2014 is unconstitutional and members must be advised not to attend as a newly constituted NEC will be announced by then.
3. Provincial structures are empowered in terms of the constitution to mobilise resources to object to any meetings called outside of the recognised constitutional structures.
4. Gauteng region is encouraged to raise awareness of this objection in the media and by on the ground mobilisation to uphold the values in enshrined in the constitution. This may include plackarding and presence of members to object to the illegitimacy of actions in contempt of the constitution. Most important is to state that this is NOT a AgangSA conference, AGM or NEC meeting and no resources of AgangSA included but not limited to -  intellectual capital, branding, Johannesburg offices, IT or Databases - are permitted to be used for these unconstitutional gatherings. AgangSA takes no responsibility for costs incurred and use of offices towards this end will be seen as a violation.
5. A disciplinary action committee is urgently being constituted by Mr Jock McConnachie to deal with all disciplinary matters under audit by the presidential task team. This includes the disciplinary process to be followed in respect of dealing with citizen Andries Tlouamma.
6. Each province is to select two members to be seconded to the task team to serve on the various workstreams to support the work of a newly constituted NEC. This will enable provincial structures to bridge the disconnect created by the absence of provincial liaison officers.
7. The party president has written directly to the speaker of the National Assembly to keep her abreast of developments in a way that secures the power of the two seats secured by 52 350 South African voters to strengthen democracy through ethical leadership.

Sincerely

Merle O`Brien

Convenor AgangSA Presidential Task Team

Agang statement: Task Team preliminary scoping report

AGANG NEC WELCOMES PRELIMINARY SCOPING REPORT

Agang’s NEC today received a preliminary scoping report of the status of Agang from the Presidential Task Team appointed by the Party Leader, Dr Mamphela Ramphele on Thursday 19th June 2014. The Terms of Reference for the task team, established last week, includes reporting on the financial status of the organisation, governance issues, state of provincial structures, staff suspensions and allegations of irregularities, polices and procedures as well as the Parliamentary Office and member communication.

Says Dr Ramphele, “As party President, together with members of the National Executive Committee, I welcomed the report to help us take stock of the issues facing the Party. The near-term issues must be addressed for the long-term future of Agang to be secured.”

Immediate issues identified by the team include the appointment of a constitution drafting committee to finalise Agang’s constitution, engagement with creditors around a payment plan in respect of some R12-million in debt, operationalising the Parliamentary office to ensure Party policies are correctly communicated as led by a policy committee, holding a Disciplinary Committee meeting to immediately address suspension issues, rebuilding the Party’s member communication database and reconstituting the NEC to include provincial structures.

The task team identified six priority areas which are being co-ordinated by Agang members on the team:

• Constitutional affairs – Philip Machanick
• NEC matters – Philip Machanick
Policies and procedures – Merle O’Brien (convenor) assisted by Rosalind Bush
Provincial structures – Mia Hugo and Boy Jacobs
Communication – Rorisang Tshabalala
Financial matters – Yunus Vollenhoven
Leadership issues – Rorisang Tshabalala

The task team will proceed into the second phase of its work by co-opting members to committees using a cascading model of ethical leadership and inviting the support of policy-making and democracy Institutes to support Agang at this critical phase of establishing its Parliamentary office to shape the new narrative for politics in South Africa. These Committees are: 

• Constitutional Drafting Committee (to be chaired by Advocate Jock McConnachie of Eastern Cape)  
Conference Co-ordinating Committee to drive the logistics and programme for provincial and national conferences 

Says Dr Ramphele, “Members have given the NEC a clear directive that it should purify and rebuild the organisation to secure its future. In the coming three weeks, the Task Team will engage Provincial Structures to enable members to shape the future of Agang in a consultative and empowering manner. The Task Team will present its final report on the state of the future of Agang on 19th July 2014.”

Letter of Support: Free State

To:All Members of the Presidential Task Team

As Free State,we wish to congratulate you all on your new task of restoring the dignity of our organisation.We know that the work ahead will not be an easy one but with your political expertise and experience,we believe that,you will do a splendid work.We will monitor your progress report closely in line of your terms of reference and also make contributions through comments where necessary.

Our President has shown trust in all of you and we believe that she did a great choice in her selection.

Regards

Amos Marumo

Free State provincial secretary

Agang Presidential Task Team Letter to Members

AGANG PRESIDENTIAL TASK TEAM

Monday 23^rd June 2014

Dear Members of Agang,

On 19^th June 2014, Dr Mamphela Ramphele compiled a terms of reference for a Presidential Task Team to be constituted made up of Agang members, Institutes and futurists to help the Party deal with the complex issues it is facing. The terms of reference are attached. The task team met twice today and assigned areas of work as follows :

1.     Status of the Constitution: Philip Machannick

2.     Functioning of the NEC: Philip Machanick 

3.     Status of provincial structures and Branches:  Mia Hugo

4.     Member / staff suspensions : Mia Hugo 

5.     Parliamentary office and 2 MP seats: Merle O’Brien (Convenor) 

6.     Debtors, Funding / creditors status, allegations of fraud: Yunus Vollenhoven

7.     Leadership audit: Rorisang Tshabalala

8.     Members communication: Rorisang Tshabalala

9.     Policies and Procedures: Rosalind Bush & Merle O’Brien

The task team will reconvene at 5pm tomorrow to share critical issues in each area and engage. This exercise forms part of the initial scoping phase to identify where the organization is currently at.

While Dan Habedi and Boy Jacobs could not connect to the Skype session, they will be co-opted to share in any of the areas their insights and expertise ahead of the next session.

In the interest of establishing lines of communication with members, a blog has been created: www.agangsa-taskteam.org.za which will be updated at the end of each day’s work.

Tomorrow, at 12pm an independent mediator will mediate the matter between the suspended deputy President, Andries Thloumma and Agang’s President, Dr Mamphela Ramphele. The task team will advise on the outcome of these talks by end of day.

An emergency NEC meeting has also been arranged for Wednesday, 25^th June 2014 at 4.30pm to formalize the working relationship with the Task Team and present an initial scoping report of the issues above.

Should you wish to communicate with us, kindly email agangtaskteam@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Agang Presidential Task Team

Agang SA task team consulting with members

This site will contain daily updates about the work of the Agang SA Presidential Task Team in relation to its terms of reference.