The African National Congress (ANC), in its historical capacity as a broad multi-class
\nmovement, has always drawn strength from its ability to represent a wide spectrum of
\nSouth African society. The recent consideration to establish a Professionals Forum is a
\ncommendable and necessary acknowledgment that a critical component of society,
\nthe professionals and intellectuals, require dedicated and structured engagement, in
\norder to derive mutual benefit for both the ANC and this stratum.
\nWhile this step is laudable, the ANC’s current political reality, marked by declining
\nelectoral support, widening social distance between the leadership and the people,
\nand complex governance challenges, demands a far bolder and more strategic
\nintervention. A mere forum, with its inherent limitations, is inadequate for the task at
\nhand in the current context.
\nFurthermore, strategic moves, such as establishing a professionals\u2019 body within the ANC,
\nare as much about the \u201cwhat\u201d as they are about the \u201cwhen\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n