Staff Reporter
The ANC has asked all provinces to submit names of leaders who have been implicated in corrupt and other criminal activities with a view to forcing them to step aside until their cases are finalised.
The move is in line with a resolution of the party’s 54th National Conference held in December 2017.
However, a letter sent out by ANC secretary general Ace Magashule following a recent NEC meeting seems to have broadened the scope of the suspensions to include those yet to be charged.
In the letter dated April 9, 2021, and addressed to all provincial secretaries, Magashule states that those charged with serious criminal offences as well as those who have been implicated but are yet to face charges should step aside by the end of this month.
“Provinces are requested to submit, by Thursday, 15 April 2021 at 17h00, the names of those members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes and those who are alleged, reported or implicated in corrupt practices,” reads part of Magashule’s letter.
“Provinces must provide details of whether affected comrades have been informed personally, in writing . . .”
But the NEC resolutions announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa following its March 26-28 meeting limited the step-aside order to those who have been formerly charged.
The NEC concluded that only members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside within 30 days.
It said those who refused to step aside will be suspended in terms of Rule 25.70 of the ANC Constitution.
Magashule himself has been asked to step aside by the party as he is facing corruption charges in the failed asbestos audit and removal project in the Free State where he once held the position of premier.