The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal maintains that there are loopholes in the step-aside resolution that allows members implicated in serious crimes to contest positions in the organisation.
Currently, the party in KwaZulu-Natal is grappling with a number of its members including councillors – who are facing murder and corruption charges.
Public Protector Report | Is the ANC being selective in the implementation of its step-aside rule?
The party’s provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli says it will be prudent if the upcoming national conference can revisit the step-aside rule to see if it helps the party in its current form.
“We are of the view that the NEC or perhaps the national conference will have to reflect upon is that at this stage you are allowed to be nominated and be elected. The difference is that you may be elected today and still not occupy the office tomorrow because you are on step-aside. I think what the NEC or the national conference as it reviews this policy must look at what is the value of stepping aside, if you can be re-elected?”
“Because if the reason for you to step aside was to protect the standing and the image of the ANC, why then should you be elected during the same time when your matter is still in the court of law? Our view is that that remains. These are some of the lessons which the NEC will have to reflect upon deciding on what to do with it or refer it to the national conference to finalise it,” says Ntuli.
ANC ward councilor Themba Mnguni expected to step aside from duties after murder charges:
