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The ANC in Mpumalanga on Wednesday defended its decision to reinstate a former MEC into its provincial executive committee (PEC) while facing accusations of raping his two daughters.
FILE: An ANC flag. Image: EWN.
JOHANNESBURG – The African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga reversed its decision to reinstate a former MEC facing rape charges on its executive committee.
The man, who cannot be identified to protect his children, is out on bail.
The ANC in Mpumalanga on Wednesday defended its decision to reinstate a former MEC into its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) while facing accusations of raping his two daughters.
The party argued that while the ANC at the national level addressed the issue of asking members to “step aside”, the PEC member should be able to participate in party activities.
Earlier on Thursday, ANC Undersecretary General Jessie Duarte criticized the decision, saying criticism of the PEC’s decision was justified.
Duarte said Eyewitness news the PEC should have considered more factors than legal implications when making its decision.
“You are also a bit insensitive when you make the decision on the eve of the launch of the 16 Days of Activism. [Against Gender-based Violence]. He is telling the ANC and the government: ‘One of their main objectives, we do not respect’ ”.
Duarte said that while the executive committee in Mpumalanga could not be told what to do about it, the national ANC was appealing to him not to look at it from a single perspective, adding that public outrage against the decision was justified.
Mpumalanga’s secretary, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, said Eyewitness news the party was backtracking on its decision and would also apologize for the lack of judgment.
“We are rescinating it and the call for it to be set aside remains. We support children ”.
On Tuesday, the Nelspruit Magistrates Court relaxed bail conditions for the man who was arrested along with his stepson in September. The former MEC is out on bail of 20,000 rand.
In October, he received a hero’s welcome from community members and the ANC when he was released on bail.
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