New ANC NEC to decide fate of rebel MPs– Mabe

African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Pule Mabe says the newly elected national executive committee will deal with disciplinary matters pertaining to the vote after some members of Parliament failed to toe the party line.  

Earlier this month the NEC held a special meeting where it resolved that ANC MPs must not support the adoption of the section 89 report, which found President Cyril Ramaphosa may have a case to answer over allegations he violated the constitution and broke the law during and after the theft of foreign currency at his Phala Phala farm.  

However, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Mervin Dirks, Supra Mahumapelo and Mosebenzi Zwane defied the party line.  

Mabe said on Friday that the members will not appear before the party’s disciplinary committee. 

“These matters will be processed by the incoming national executive committee and [they] will determine the course of action, having looked at all of the cases of a similar nature that would have occurred in the past.” 

The spokesperson cautioned against premature reporting on party resolutions after a letter, purportedly addressed to Dlamini-Zuma summoning her to appear before the national disciplinary committee, made the rounds on social media. 

“It is very important that members of the media, when the NEC of the ANC is in session they allow it to conclude, come and brief [media] on what their decisions are.” 

 At the same time, Dlamini-Zuma who was the first of the four ANC MPs to break rank, has assured her supporters that she is eligible to stand should branches wish to nominate her from the floor.  

Mabe said the outgoing NEC will submit a report to the newly elected leadership, advising on matters in need of attention, and it will be left to the new NEC to deliberate and decide on such disciplinary matters.  

He warned failure to toe the party line has the potential to erode the authority of the party.