- The ANC's national working committee has clarified confusion over the broadening of the scope of the ANC's step-aside policy.
- It said that it has to do with those criminally charged.
- The party has already released the guidelines for stepping aside with two weeks left for the 30 day ultimatum for those charged to step aside or face suspension.
The ANC's national working committee (NWC) has contradicted party secretary-general Ace Magashule who sought to broaden the scope of the party's step-aside policy to include anyone tainted by corruption.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the NWC said those criminally charged should step aside from their positions within the 30 day ultimatum as per the national executive committee (NEC) decision last month.
"The NWC noted that provinces have been requested to submit, by Thursday, 15 April 2021, the names of those members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes. Provinces have also been requested to inform affected members of the decision of the NEC," the statement read.
Magashule had written to the party's provincial secretaries to ask them to compile lists of ANC members who are not only criminally charged, but allegedly "implicated in corrupt practices".
"Provinces are requested to submit, by Thursday, 15 April 2021 at 17:00, the names of those members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes and those who are aligned, reported or implicated in corrupt practices. Provinces must provide details of whether affected comrades have been informed personally, in writing," he wrote.
It is understood that the matter was a bone of contention in the NWC meeting - made up of about 20 party leaders who run the day to day activities of the party.
The party has since released its policy on the matter which calls for party members to step aside following an indictment to appear in a court of law on criminal charges or face suspension.
"Stepping aside means that the participation and conduct of a member, office bearer, or public representative, must be guided by the best interests of the organisation, and the undertakings set out in the Members' Oath prescribed in Rule 4.16.
Duties
"This may include relinquishing, forgoing, or refraining from exercising, temporarily or permanently, in whole or in part, her or his rights, duties and responsibilities as a member, office-bearer, or public representative," the guidelines read.
The document stated that once the person steps aside, they must approach the secretary-general or NWC, the provincial secretary or PWC, whichever the case may be, to inform them of her or his decision to step aside.
"If a member, office-bearer or public representative fails to step aside, the SG or NWC, the PS or PWC, whichever the case may be, may refer the matter to the Integrity Commission for it to consider and make recommendations to the NEC or PEC," the guidelines dictate.
It further notes that the decision to step aside, must be reviewed at least once a year by the NEC, NWC, PEC or PWC at the request of the person affected.
Magashule would be one of the ANC's members affected by the decision to step aside, seeing that he is out on R200 000 bail and is facing corruption related charges.
He has until month end to step aside from his position or face suspension.
The NWC further noted that an NEC meeting between 26-29 March would process individual reports of the ANC's Integrity Commission.