Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Queenin Masuabi
Published on 2024-03-08 07:21:02
The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) met on Thursday and received a report indicating that Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Zizi Kodwa, and Cedric Frolick are ineligible to stand as members of the National Assembly. This report was compiled by the party’s top 7 officials after receiving information from the Integrity Committee, led by Frank Chikane, regarding those implicated in State Capture.
According to the report, Mahlobo and Gigaba have adverse findings against them by the State Capture inquiry. Mahlobo, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, and Gigaba, an NEC member, did not appear before the Integrity Committee, leaving their clearance pending. The discussion on this matter extended into the early hours of Friday morning.
Kodwa was implicated in State Capture for questionable dealings with Jehan Mackay, a former director at EOH, involving personal loans and possible influence in tender awards. Mahlobo was accused of bribing judges during his time as State Security Minister, and Frolick was implicated in Part 3 of the Zondo Report for alleged dodgy dealings with Bosasa.
The party’s list for parliamentary candidates, submitted to the IEC on Friday, initially included Gigaba, Mahlobo, and Kodwa but was later confirmed to be fake. The lists submitted by political parties are yet to be made public by the commission.
The report also clears ANC leaders like Gwede Mantashe, Thabang Makwetla, and Zweli Mkhize, who faced allegations related to State Capture or corruption. Mantashe and Makwetla were cleared of receiving security upgrades from Bosasa, while Mkhize was cleared of involvement in the Digital Vibes scandal. President Ramaphosa, who faced allegations of theft at his farm, was also cleared by the Integrity Committee.
However, there was a heated debate within the NEC regarding the exclusion of the four senior members implicated in State Capture. Some members believed it unfair to exclude them without formal charges, while others raised concerns about public perception and the impact on the ANC’s election campaign.
The party’s step-aside guidelines were also discussed, which state that those charged in a court of law should not be deployed to public office. The criteria for nomination include having no criminal record or charges, and not being found guilty of contravening the ANC Code of Conduct in the last 10 years.
Despite the controversy, the party’s list conference was held on Monday, and candidates were consolidated by the NEC, alliance partners, and decision-making bodies. The final list was adopted and submitted to the IEC before the deadline.
Further details on the flagged members were expected to be revealed in a briefing by ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri and Electoral Committee chair Kgalema Motlanthe on Monday. The final decision on the matter rests with the national officials of the party.
In conclusion, the ANC is facing internal challenges related to members implicated in State Capture, highlighting the complexities involved in maintaining integrity within the party while preparing for crucial elections.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
