WRAP | No 'punch ups' at ANC NEC meeting, says Ramaphosa as Magashule heads to Integrity Committee

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa gave closing remarks following the party's final NEC meeting for the year. The big news coming out of the meeting is that secretary-general Ace Magashule will present himself before the party's Integrity Commission on 12 December. 

Here are 6 talking points:

SG to Integrity Commission

Ramaphosa revealed that Magashule would present himself to the Integrity Commission on 12 December.

"The meeting welcomed secretary-general’s decision to present himself to the Integrity Commission...the officials shall process the outcomes of this engagement and the determination by the Integrity Commission and report to the national working committee and national executive committee."

Mandate of the 54th conference

"We have agreed that, in order to give effect to these decisions, the officials will finalise the guidelines that will be applied in instances where members of the organisation are formally charged with, convicted of or reported to be involved in corruption or other serious crimes," Ramaphosa said, referencing conference resolutions.

Zondo commission

The president also touched on matters at the Zondo commission, expressing concern at members who engage in "unnecessary attacks" and urging them to refrain from such utterances.

"The NEC has agreed that we must confirm our appreciation for the work of the Zondo commission under very difficult circumstances."

Divisions

The president poured cold water on suggestions that ANC leaders would emerge from this meeting divided. "We have not sharpened divisions; in fact, through our discussions we have narrowed the differences that exist," said Ramaphosa.

Public statements

Ramaphosa said "we must also acknowledge that there are some among us who, wittingly or unwittingly, contribute to a public discourse that is damaging to the unity and cohesion of the NEC and the movement".

Covid-19 crisis

The ANC NEC also discussed the status of the coronavirus in the country as parts of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape battle a second wave.

"This NEC has expressed grave concern about the increase in infections and deaths over the last few weeks, in particular in the hotspots in Eastern Cape and Western Cape, and has welcomed the measures that have been put in place to contain these outbreaks."

- Compiled by Kamva Somdyala

Ramaphosa talks about the court appearance of Magashule where ANC regalia was burnt and divisive statements were issued. He also speaks out at party leaders who attack the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture.

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