NEC Supports New Ramaphosa Guidelines for Co …

Ramaphosa also made it clear that the country’s law enforcement agencies must be strong to fight corruption, but said he would not interfere with them.

The other 85 NEC members also appeared to be unanimously behind Ramaphosa’s leadership: his statement, read by Ramaphosa, said that the NEC endorsed the content of his letter to ANC members in August “as a clear articulation of the policies and positions of the organization ”And agreed to implement the action points in it. In the letter, Ramaphosa said that the ANC was the “number one defendant” when it came to corruption.

The statement also said that the NEC “emerged with a clear direction and unity of purpose.” He added: “This was one of the best meetings the NEC has ever held.”

This was despite calls before the meeting for Ramaphosa to step down, and despite a scathing letter from former President Jacob Zuma questioning Ramaphosa’s integrity and authenticity as leader of the ANC. Ramaphosa said he had not yet responded to that letter as he received many as ANC leader, but said he “did not feel easily insulted” because those at the top receive the most criticism.

The NEC acknowledged that “there appears to be a choreographed campaign” against Ramaphosa, but said this would not distract the movement from “undertaking an intensified program against corruption and state capture”, along with civil society and the “general population” .

ANC President Gwede Mantashe said that Zuma’s letter appeared to be part of the choreographed attack on Ramaphosa.

“The reason that makes this letter suspicious is that it followed a letter from (former Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral committee member) Andile Lungisa and followed another letter from another group and something else,” Mantashe said, possibly with reference to NEC member Tony. Yengeni’s informed request for Ramaphosa to resign and a call from Black First Land First leader Andile Mngxitama for charges to be brought against Ramaphosa for his campaign funds.

“So it looks like a choreographed attack on the president, and we have a responsibility to actually kill a choreographed attack on the president because he is the leader of the organization,” Mantashe said.

Calls for Ramaphosa to step down were based on accusations that funding his presidential campaign in 2017 to the tune of millions was something that party traditions would not allow and could possibly lead to corruption. The NEC, however, said that guidelines would be developed for lobbying and campaigning in internal leadership contests. The current rules were inadequate.

Unusually, the top six were present at the briefing and, unusually, journalists were allowed a series of questions to which all six responded in turn. This was put together by doctors from the party’s spin to create an image of unity, but could also have been done for the sake of clarity, as the party’s general secretary Ace Magashule is usually responsible for addressing briefings, but in the The past has miscommunicated policy issues.

However, Magashule was allowed to conclude the press conference and have the last word, during which he reminded the media to use the word “alleged” when discussing unproven corruption charges against officials to prevent them from being fog unnecessarily. He also regretted the fact that the media did not report on the positive aspects of the government spending money to combat Covid-19.

The final NEC guidelines for cadres accused of corruption were as follows:

• ANC cadres who are formally charged with corruption or other serious crimes should immediately withdraw from all leadership positions in the ANC, legislatures or other government structures pending completion of their cases. Officials, per mandate, will develop guidelines and procedures on implementation, and the next NWC meeting will review progress. In cases where this has not happened, such persons will be instructed to step aside.
• ANC cadres who are allegedly involved in corrupt criminal practices and other serious criminal practices should turn to the Integrity Commission to explain themselves. Those who do not give an acceptable explanation may be suspended.
• ANC cadres convicted of corruption or other serious crimes must resign from their leadership positions and face disciplinary action in accordance with the ANC Constitution.

The NEC will hold another meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the integrity commission and make sure it has resources. In response to a question, Ramaphosa said the commission’s decisions should be binding. Previously it was not clear if this commission could only make recommendations to the NEC or if it could make a final pronouncement on the fate of the members.

Ramaphosa confirmed that he was available to appear before the integrity commission to answer questions about his campaign funds, but said that while he was ready to do so months in advance, he wanted the process started by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane to run its course first.

The NEC also outlined other steps to combat corruption, including implementing “a system for leaders to make regular declarations of financial interests to the organization” that builds on existing practices in Parliament and government, ensuring “a balance right between privacy and responsibility. “

There will also be guidelines on ANC leaders and families doing business with government and public entities.

“The guidelines will give due consideration to the right of everyone to engage in legitimate business activity while eliminating the possibility that any ANC leader or member of their family will gain undue benefit from political access,” Ramaphosa said.

In response to a question about the National Tax Authority, Ramaphosa said that the agency had previously been “attacked” and weakened, but was in the process of strengthening itself and gaining powers of an investigative and prosecutorial nature.

“It is only through independent, strong and capable institutions that we can tackle corruption quickly,” he said.

Ramaphosa emphasized that he could not interfere with the work of law enforcement agencies, except to take steps to strengthen them “and allow them to do their job.” He added that he was “firm in this opinion.”

Hermione Cronje of the NPA said she was ready to attack the first flyers in September. DM