By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) NEC has extended terms of reference for the Integrity Commission (IC) allowing party members to appeal its recommendations.
This comes as the ANC seeks to strengthen the bite of its integrity commission, which is tasked with ensuring that members adhere to the party’s code of conduct.
This was announced by president Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered his closing address at the party’s NEC meeting earlier on Sunday in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
Ramaphosa said the meeting had adopted amendments to the terms of reference of the commission and the step-aside guidelines.
He said the amendments to the terms of reference of the commission and the step-aside guidelines would provide greater clarity and focus to the work of the integrity commission.
Ramaphosa said the meeting had reaffirmed the integrity commission as the custodian of the ANC’s values, ethics and organisational discipline, all of which were central to its renewal programme.
The party’s integrity commission has been seen as a toothless body as people who were referred to it have failed to appear before it with no consequences.
Ramaphosa said the NEC considered all reports of the integrity commission for the period 2019 to 2024.
“The NEC noted that several reports have been implemented, whilst others have been overtaken by events,” he said
“The NEC directed the secretary-general to expedite the appointment of a panel to deal with appeals or reviews of the findings and or recommendations of the integrity commission before the NEC takes a final decision.”
“The NEC agreed to develop a guiding perspective on leadership succession informed by our document through the eye of the needle. The NEC considered this to be of utmost importance in the context of our adopted roadmap to renew the organisation, added Ramaphosa.”
Ramaphosa said any leadership contest or lobbying at this point is what the NEC regards as a distraction from the key tasks of the national democratic revolution.
“There will be time for disciplined discussion and engagement on leadership succession. Now is not that time. Our next national conference is only in 2027 and we are only in 2024,” he said.
“Right now, the ANC must focus on rebuilding the organisation and preparing for the local government elections in 2026.”
Ramaphosa also announced that the party will unveil the foundation course, aimed at advancing party renewal, will be required for all ANC members and public representatives.
He emphasized this in his closing remarks, stating that the course is part of a broader effort to strengthen the party’s ethical and intellectual standards.
“The NEC emphasized that to achieve effective branches, renewal must also focus on individual ANC leaders and members. This includes raising the intellectual capacity and enhancing the moral and ethical orientation of ANC leaders and members as well,” Ramaphosa said.
This move comes after a diagnostic report found that many ANC branches have been repurposed for individual and sectional interests, neglecting the core tasks of the national democratic revolution.
“These branches quite often have no life, no standing, no programme in the community,” he added.
The report also criticised the practice of bulk membership registrations to establish branches solely for nominating delegates to elect leadership at conferences and ward candidates.
The ANC has long faced criticism from community members for failing to deliver adequate services and not prioritising their needs. Issues such as water and electricity supply, unemployment, and poor infrastructure have become a nightmare for many communities.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that this was not the proper way to represent the party and said it should be addressed.
He emphasised that the party’s focus must now be on grassroots work to restore the ANC to its former glory.
This comes as parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections. Many, including the fiery uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, are aiming to secure electoral victories.