By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Jacob Mawela/Fullview.
The ruling party African National Congress (ANC) had decided to retain its step-aside rule that anyone charged with corruption or other crimes must step down while they are being investigated.
The step-aside policy was adopted at the 54th elective conference in 2017 held in Nasrec.
The overwhelming view of the conference is for the retention of the ‘step-aside’ provisions to enhance the integrity of the movement and its leadership
ANC youth leader and member of the organisational renewal commission rapporteur Fasiha Hassan said all nine provinces have resolved to reaffirm the rule.
“We have re-affirmed the step aside resolution of the 54th conference. The future of the ANC and the trust of our people depends on its speedy and uniform implementation,” she said.
She added that every member affected should have their circumstances reviewed every six months, with the party’s disciplinary committee responsible for sticking to the deadlines so as not to “unduly prejudice affected comrades.”
“Ultimately, conference urged the NEC to ensure regulations are implemented uniformly, impartially and consistently and not be used to fight fact battles,” said Hassan.
The party committed to publicly dissociating themselves from those that are corrupt, commit serious crimes and abuse women and children.
Anyone making false allegations against another member will be sanctioned.
“Any instance of abuse of the rule – that is false accusations and malicious accusations – if identified and proven, should be sanctioned to maximum extent of the law and of the ANC code of conduct.”
She said the ANC was the only party that is transparent in dealing with fraud and corruption and had been “bold” in taking decisions.
Furthermore, said Hassan, the proposed six months review has nothing to do with the work of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is prosecuting some of the criminal cases, such as that of former secretary-general Ace Magashule.
The resolution has caused much controversy within the party since it was formally introduced in 2021, with one of its first casualties being Magashule. He refused to step aside and had to be suspended from his position.
Others who have borne the brunt of the ruling include former ANC Limpopo treasurer Danny Msiza, former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, the former mayor of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Olly Mlamleli, and former parliamentary portfolio committee chairs Bongani Bongo and Zukiswa Ncitha.
The ANC has been in power for nearly three decades, but it faces public anger over worsening electricity blackouts, poor or non-existent basic services, a sluggish economy, corrupt procurement tenders and crime-related shootings.