Corruption, wrongdoing, or ill-discipline cannot be accommodated in the ANC, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the African National Congress (ANC) needs to do intro-spection as it is seemingly clear that it is a party at war with itself.
This forms part of the political overview delivered by Ramaphosa at the party's last National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for the year.
His whole report has been shared on social media.
@MYANC Political overview by President @CyrilRamaphosa on the occasion of a three day Virtual National Executive Committee Meeting held from 6-8 Dec 2020. #ANCNEC pic.twitter.com/prKjA6TF3t
— African National Congress (@MYANC) December 7, 2020
In his address, Ramaphosa appeals to party members to unite; however, he warns that unity cannot mean that corruption, wrongdoing, or ill-discipline should be accommodated.
“We increasingly appear like an organisation at war with itself.
“We need to ask ourselves whether we are still committed to the mandate we were given by the conference to unite and renew the movement," writes Ramaphosa.
The meeting is expected to come to a decision regarding party members stepping aside when facing fraud or corruption charges.
READ: Zuma, Thales back in court for corruption trial
At the centre of this issue is Secretary-General Ace Magashule remaining in his position despite facing charges in a Free State Court.
It relates to the controversial multi-million rand asbestos housing audit project.
Ramaphosa seems to draw the line in the sand when it comes to the party turning a blind eye when their own undermine ANC ideals.
"Unity is not about closing ranks; it is not about accommodating or condoning corruption, wrongdoing or ill-discipline.
"Unity cannot be used as an excuse to turn a blind eye when some among us undermine and denigrate the revolutionary ideals of our struggle.
"Many of the challenges we now face are due to the lack of a common and coherent approach to the measures we must take to address allegations of corruption and other serious crimes against leaders and cadres of our movement."
The ANC is said to have sought five different legal opinions whether it has the legal muster to ask leaders who face court charges to step aside.
However, Ramaphosa is now also calling on the political consciousness of NEC members to go beyond what the law says – and act in the best interest of the party.
He adds where the Committee has risen to challenges in the past, he fears they are now falling short of acting against allegations of serious crimes committed by its own.
In that regard, the president says it’s time for the ANC to be selfless, to make sacrifices in the service of South Africans, to always act with integrity and honesty, and to place the interests of the collective above narrow personal interests.
Tuesday is the final day of the NEC meeting.
