The ANC breakaway group, which was the weekend struggling to come up with a name has settled on SA Democratic Congress as its new name. Its spokesperson Mbulelo Ncedana is quoted Monday saying the movement, which plans to launch as a political party on December 16, will begin the process of registering the party on Monday morning. He said “We are busy with that this morning”.
On Saturday more than 6 000 delegates proposed names at a convention held in Sandton and the interim steering committee – which includes former defence minister Mosioua Lekota, his deputy Mluleki George and former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa – made the decision.
The party’s name has to be registered with the Independent Electoral Commission for it to contest next year’s elections, reports say. But the name the has already got the “old ANC” complaining on the grounds that part of the acronym resembled its own name. It would issue a statement later Monday.
Reports say the IEC stipulates that a party can register at national level to contest elections of the National Assembly, provincial legislatures and all municipal councils.
For this, it must submit a completed application for registration; the name, which must be not more than 60 letters, an abbreviated name of not more than eight letters, a copy of its constitution, its deed of foundation signed by 500 registered voters who support the founding of the party, two sets of party logo/symbols in colour and a R500 registration fee.
It must also place a Notice in the Government Gazette and must submit a hard copy of the Gazette as proof of publication. The application may only be considered 14 days after it is lodged with the IEC to allow for objections.
Its proposed name, abbreviated name, distinguishing mark or symbol must not resemble that of any other registered party to the extent that it may deceive or confuse voters.
Its branding must also not contain anything that portrays incitement of violence or hatred; or that may offend on the grounds of race, gender, sex, ethnic origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture or language.
It can also not indicate that people will not be admitted to membership or welcomed as supporters on the grounds of their race, ethnic origin or colour
