Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ferial Haffajee
Published on 2024-03-03 22:02:22
The leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) gathered at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg on Monday morning to finalize the party’s election lists. A contentious issue revolving around corruption and the inclusion of certain individuals on the election lists has created a rift within the party, cutting across its various factions and leagues.
Over the weekend, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo became embroiled in the controversy when he refuted a report from City Press alleging that Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe had successfully challenged the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. The commission had recommended further investigations into Mantashe regarding his involvement with Bosasa, a company central to South Africa’s corruption scandal. Mantashe clarified that the courts had not yet heard his review as claimed by City Press.
Zondo clarified that City Press had misrepresented the situation by stating that Mantashe had successfully challenged the commission’s report, emphasizing that the review application was still pending. The ANC’s Integrity Commission, led by Reverend Frank Chikane, recommended excluding ANC members implicated in the State Capture Commission report from the election lists. The deadline for finalizing the lists, which must be submitted to the Electoral Commission, is set for Friday, March 8.
The Integrity Commission’s recommendations could impact prominent figures such as Zweli Mkhize, who was linked to the Digital Vibes scandal exposed by Daily Maverick. The exclusion of members implicated in corruption scandals from the lists has been a point of contention within the party, with debates ongoing.
The step-aside rule within the ANC, initially introduced in 2017 to address corruption issues, has been modified to require members to step aside only after being formally charged with an offense. Members implicated in the State Capture Commission argue that they should not have to resign or be excluded from the party lists until they are formally charged under the law.
The ANC Veterans’ League, led by Snuki Zikalala, has advocated for the exclusion of implicated members, while the Women’s and Youth Leagues argue that individuals should only be excluded if they have been formally charged. Individuals like Mantashe, Kodwa, and Mokonyane have defended themselves against the allegations, attributing them to a lack of understanding of the ANC’s principles of camaraderie.
As the ANC faces the prospect of record-low polling numbers in the upcoming election, securing a favorable position on the party lists becomes crucial for members vying for political office. The ongoing saga surrounding corruption and inclusion on the election lists underscores the challenges and divisions within the ANC as it prepares for the upcoming election.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
