By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) finds itself in an extraordinary position, that will have to determine the immediate political fate of its president, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe.
ANC’s national executive committee endorsed the Integrity Commission’s recommendation that Tolashe step aside – both as ANCWL president and as NEC member.
She was found guilty of four counts and the recommendation was that, since the president already removed her as minister, she also needs to resign as an MP and as Women’s League president.
The matter has been referred to the ANC’s national disciplinary committee, but Secretary General Fikile Mbalula was explicit: what happens to Tolashe in the interim is entirely the ANCWL’s call.
Mbalula delivered opening address at a special ANCWL NEC meeting on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Saturday’s meeting is expected to give ANCWL members an opportunity to discuss the developments and the way forward for the organisation.
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, ANCWL secretary-general Nokuthula Nqaba said no decision had yet been made regarding instructions from the ANC.
She said the league was still discussing the way forward and confirmed that it had met with Tolashe before its NEC meeting.
Nqaba also clarified that Tolashe had shown no intention of resigning or stepping down.
“We then realised that there was already a process unfolding, initiated by the ANC Integrity Commission.”
Nqaba said the league accepted the Integrity Commission’s findings.
“We don’t doubt her as a member of the organisation, but as she said earlier, honour rests with us as individuals. It is about individual conscience and the integrity of the organisation.”
Now the Women’s League NEC need to endorse the report and decide who will lead the organization.
Meanwhile Mbalula told the party’s veterans league that the elders of the movement must retreat from the media onslaught on the ANC in this period.
He pointed out that stalwarts have been appearing on podcasts and television studios to criticise the movement, something he believes weakens the party when it should be focusing on rebuilding trust with voters.
His tone was firm but respectful, reminding the veterans that they once enjoyed the space to lead without constant public attacks from their own ranks. Now, he said, it is time to give the current leadership the same breathing room to govern and prepare for the elections.
The ANC is gearing up for local government elections later this year, and internal unity has become a top priority.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was doing a door-to-door campaign in Diepsloot on Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Residents of Diepsloot have outlined their expectations to Ramaphosa, calling for improved access to basic services, including schools and healthcare facilities.
Community members have also raised concerns about ongoing unemployment and housing shortages, saying that despite voting since 1994, many are still struggling to secure jobs and access Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing.