An ANC leader on the Cape West Coast, Danville Smith, has stepped aside as a member of the Western Cape legislature and has also recused himself from all party responsibilities in the region.
Smith faces charges of corruption relating to a Hawks’ probe into alleged irregularities at the Cederberg Municipality when he was ward councillor in Lamberts Bay.
Smith appeared in the Bellville Commercial Crimes Court to face the charges on April 9. He served as the party’s treasurer of the West Coast for nine years.
Smith has maintained his innocence and has welcomed the opportunity to clear his name in court.
He is one of ANC high-ranking officials who have been asked to step-aside amid serious charges against them.
The measure is, however, temporary as they will return to their positions, once their cases are over and they are cleared of any wrongdoing.
ANC Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, was recently suspended from the party after failing to step-aside as per the resolution of the party’s highest decision-making body, the National Executive Committee.
He faces possible expulsion after defying his suspension. He instead issued a suspension letter against the party’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in what seemed like a fit of anger.
Magashule has been asked to apologise to ANC structures and members for the gaffe.
Deadline looms for Magashule’s apology:
