Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-02-29 12:00:00
Nomvula Mokonyane is one of the many ANC members who have been implicated in the state capture scandal. With only a week left for political parties to submit their lists of candidates for the upcoming elections, the ANC electoral committee has not received any instructions to exclude members who have been named in the state capture report.
The committee secretary, Livhuwani Matsila, confirmed that they have not been informed of any such decision to exclude the implicated members. However, they are scheduled to meet with party officials to discuss this matter further. This comes despite the secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, stating earlier that the party leadership was determined to only include members with reputations beyond reproach on the candidate lists for parliament and provincial legislatures.
The state capture report implicated at least 97 ANC members, including top officials such as Gwede Mantashe, Nomvula Mokonyane, Zizi Kodwa, Thabang Makwetla, David Mahlobo, as well as former ministers and current ANC MPs. The ANC Veterans’ League has been vocal about excluding these members from standing as public representatives to protect the party’s image.
The slow progress in addressing these concerns led to senior stalwart Mavuso Msimang resigning in December, only to withdraw his resignation after discussions with senior officials. The party has reiterated its commitment to addressing unethical behavior and ill-discipline among its members, including leaders.
The party’s rules dictate that members who have been criminally charged should step aside from their positions. Despite this, the ANC national spokesperson indicated that discussions about the inclusion of implicated members on the legislature lists had not taken place.
As the deadline for candidate submissions approaches, Matsila assured that the ANC would be ready to submit its lists. The vetting process for candidates was described as a meticulous task, but the party had the capacity to carry it out effectively.
While no specific details were provided on individuals who may not qualify for the list, Matsila stated that the process was progressing smoothly without any major pushback. Some senior ANC members, like Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Naledi Pandor, have declined nominations to return to parliament. Matsila could not confirm which other seniors had also declined, emphasizing that the focus was on ensuring a clean and credible candidate list.
In conclusion, the ANC is taking steps to address the implications of members in the state capture scandal and ensure that only individuals with impeccable reputations are included on its candidate lists for the upcoming elections. The party remains committed to upholding its integrity and accountability in the selection of candidates.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
