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The African National Congress (ANC) has cleared the air about former President Thabo Mbeki’s attendance at the meeting of its national executive committee (NEC), which began on Sunday.
Among other topics, the virtual conference is expected to discuss the way forward regarding the constitutionality of its 2015 ANC National General Council (NGC) resolution, which called for leaders accused of corruption to be made to a side.
Numerous reports suggested that this was Mbeki’s first NEC meeting since his removal as president. But the ANC says the reports are inaccurate.
“All former presidents of the ANC attend NEC meetings in an ex-officio capacity. It is inaccurate to suggest that President Mbeki will attend the NEC for the first time. President Mbeki attended the previous NEC Lekgotla. We thank you for always honoring NEC commitments when available, ”said the ruling party.
The former president was defeated by Jacob Zuma, an ally of the party’s secretary general, Ace Magashule, at the 52nd ANC conference in 2007 in Polokwane.
Reports of his attendance were accompanied by accusations that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s faction agreed to support him as the party debates the way forward in its problematic resolution.
Read more: ANC NEC Meeting: Will Magashule win the fight, will he refuse to step aside?
In a letter in August, Ramaphosa called on leaders accused of corruption to step aside, receiving criticism from, among others, Zuma.
The letter reads in part: “The time has come for the ANC to be unwavering in restoring the values, ethics and standing of our organization. Our actions must always coincide with our words. We cannot, like the ANC, legitimately call ourselves leaders of society if we fail to lead the people in eradicating corruption from our own ranks.
Also read: Magashule threatens to expose corruption, promising to remain in the ANC
“Defendants must insulate the African National Congress from reputational damage arising from their personal challenges by stepping aside while their cases are heard. To address corruption in the ANC, we must promptly implement the resolutions of our 54th National Conference on how to deal with corruption, including that every cadre accused or reported of being involved in corrupt practices must be held accountable to the Integrity Commission immediately or face disciplinary action. processes.
“Individuals who do not provide an acceptable explanation or who do not voluntarily withdraw while facing disciplinary, investigative, or procedural proceedings should be summarily suspended. The ANC must publicly disassociate itself from anyone, be it a corporate donor, supporter or member, accused of corruption or allegedly involved in corruption.
Read more: READ: ‘… Lay your head in shame’ – Zuma’s scathing letter to Ramaphosa
Magashule faces 21 counts of fraud, corruption and money laundering, linked to the 255 million rand Free State asbestos project. He turned himself in to the Hawks last month following an arrest warrant issued against him.
He was released on bail of 200,000 rand after appearing before Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.
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