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President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to the State of the Nation Debate (SONA).
Jeffrey Abrahams, Gallo Images
- The ANC’s national executive committee decided that members facing corruption charges, who do not withdraw within 30 days, will face suspension.
- The committee met March 26-28.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa described the issues that were discussed at the meeting.
The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) decided that all members accused of corruption and other serious crimes must withdraw within 30 days, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday.
If they do not, they will be suspended in terms of Rule 25 (70) of the ANC constitution.
READ | Don’t even try to challenge: Ramaphosa, supporters give Magashule 30 days to finish
Ramaphosa made the announcement during closing remarks he delivered after the NEC met this weekend and discussed, among other issues, the procedure to be followed by accused corruption, including Secretary General Ace Magashule.
Several party heavyweights attended the meeting, including former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, and NEC member Joel Netshitenzhe.
He said the meeting emphasized that the 30 days would be used to allow implementation of the decision in accordance with the guidelines.
“And this is not for review of the decision. The NEC also agreed that the provincial presidents and secretaries would meet with national officials during the time to further refine the guidelines, make additions, fine-tune them – [and] to ensure that the resolution can be implemented effectively and practically, “he said.
‘Council of past leaders’
READ | Decision made, ‘then Ace said no’ – this is how ANC NEC meeting turned into chaos
Ramaphosa said the Magashule office will work with the provinces to identify all affected people and inform them of the decision.
The party chairman added: “The ANC appreciates the decision of the ANC secretary general to use this time to seek the advice of previous leaders of our movement, and the ANC supports our secretary general in this effort.”
Members have been asked to refrain from participating in events, including mobilization or making public statements, that undermine the implementation of the conference resolution.
Ramaphosa said the NEC also discussed issues affecting the higher education sector.
He said the meeting highlighted the progress made toward providing free higher education for poor and working-class students.
“The NEC welcomed the work in progress to seek solutions to address student debt, as well as the critical problem of financing higher education in general, particularly for the missing medium.
“The NEC agreed with the caution that we must ensure that we do not underfund the critical sector of TVET, education and community training and skills. These components are critical to empowering millions of young people in our country,” he said.
Turning to the issue of the beleaguered Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the NEC reflected on the party’s approach, noting that the matter was dealt with in Parliament in terms of the rules regarding the removal of the head of a Chapter 9 institution.
“The NEC confirmed the responsibility of the ANC political committee in Parliament to oversee matters before the caucus and to consult and be guided by national officials and ANC headquarters when necessary,” he said.
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