The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) president Bathabile Dlamini is due to be sentenced on Friday in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court after she was convicted of perjury earlier in March.
The sentencing follows the 2017 inquiry into the social grants saga at the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
The ANC has a standing resolution that all members facing criminal charges must step aside, pending the finalisation of their cases and those convicted must resign. However, Dlamini has neither been suspended nor has she resigned.
Speaking to SABC News on Thursday, Dlamini said she would step aside from her position should the governing party’s top officials request her to do so.
When asked about what does she expect the verdict to be, Dlamini responded: “Whatever that will come, will come.”
Reporter: “Will you be ready for anything?”
Dlamini: “I know that we have made a plea. There isn’t anyone who is always ready for a sentence but we have been to court, our issues were raised. All the things that were put there, were discussed or argued and everything now depends on the magistrate.”
The video below is the full interview with Dlamini:
Step aside
In 2021, the ANC temporarily suspended the membership of its Secretary-General Ace Magashule.
Since his suspension, Magashule has been prohibited from making public pronouncements.
The suspension which is effective from May 3, 2021, comes after the ANC National Working Committee meeting reaffirmed the decision of the National Executive Committee that all members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside within 30 days.
The working committee decided that those who do not step aside within the 30 day period would be suspended.
Magashule is facing fraud, corruption and money laundering charges related to a failed multi-million-rand asbestos project when he was Free State premier.
The video below is the Ace Magashule vs ANC judgment:
