The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) plans to establish an appeals body for decisions taken by its internal watchdog where members with adverse findings may plead their case.
This comes as the ANC seeks to strengthen the bite of its integrity commission, which is tasked with ensuring that members adhere to the party’s code of conduct amid an increasing number of its high-ranking members facing allegations of misconduct.
The ANC NEC met over the weekend to discuss, among other things, strengthening its integrity commission.
During his closing address to the NEC on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said the commission’s appeal panel members would be appointed by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
Mbalula has also been tasked with implementing the reports of the commission, which have been accepted by the NEC.
The integrity commission was established after the ANC’s 2012 elective conference — where former president Jacob Zuma was elected to lead the party for a second term — as a mechanism of accountability in line with the party’s renewal ambitions. However, it has limited powers to uphold accountability and integrity within the party as it can only make recommendations to the NEC, which then has the power to enforce or reject the recommendations.
“The NEC considered all reports of the integrity commission from the period 2019-2024. The NEC noted that several reports have been implemented while others have been overtaken by some events,” Ramaphosa said.
In a discussion document on matters of integrity, the ANC noted that in recent years there had been an increase in corruption allegations against its members which threatened the sustainability of the party.
“The corruption robs our people of billions that could be used for their benefit. At times we do things that are not according to the ANC or government policy, or that are not legal or constitutional, and wait for court to correct our acts,” the document reads.
“The state investigative units and prosecutorial authorities appear to be weakened and affected by factional battles and unable to perform their functions effectively.”
The integrity commission has previously flagged high-profile members of the party implicated in allegations of corruption, including former sport, arts & culture minister Zizi Kodwa; former president and leader of the MK party Jacob Zuma, former health minister Zweli Mkhize; human settlements, water & sanitation deputy minister David Mahlobo; former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo; and former MPs Mosebenzi Zwane, Bongani Bongo and Thabang Makwetla.
Recently, justice minister Thembi Simelane was hauled before the commission to explain alleged dodgy dealings with VBS Mutual Bank, which imploded in 2018.
Business Day understands that Simelane provided proof she had paid back in full the loan she took in 2016. She also detailed that during her time as mayor of Polokwane the municipality had not only invested a budget surplus with VBS Mutual Bank but also with Standard Bank and Sanlam.
It is understood that Simelane paid back more than R800,000 to VBS Mutual Bank on a loan exceeding R500,000.
The ANC has suffered successive electoral setbacks since 2009. Its biggest and most consequential electoral setback was during this year’s general elections in May, when it lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades.
This compelled it to form a coalition government with its former rivals, including the DA and the Freedom Front Plus, whose members now occupy cabinet positions.
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