African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Member Fikile Mbalula has weighed in on the step aside resolution issue which is currently being debated in the party. Speaking to ANC members in Cape Town, Mbalula said the purpose of implementing the resolution is to ensure that ANC members did not mobilise against the party and cry foul that they were being politically targeted.
Yesterday, the ANC National Working Committee ordered that those who were affected should step aside or be issued with suspension letters later this week.
Those who are affected by the resolution are those facing serious crimes including corruption. They include ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule who is facing fraud, corruption and money laundering charges related to a failed multi-million-rand asbestos project when he was Free State premier.
Mbalula says the resolution was taken at the ANC’s 54th national elective conference before Magashule became party secretary-general.
“The NEC will meet, get the report – what has actually happened, but by the time the NEC meets, the 30 days would have expired. All those who are affected should have been written letters to be informed that in 30 days, they must step aside. So, if they don’t step aside, the rule in the constitution will kick in – they will be suspended. And that is what is going to happen.”
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe says the NEC will this weekend receive a report as to how many members have voluntarily stepped aside following the resolution:
Meanwhile, Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) spokesperson Carl Niehaus has opened a defamation case against Mbalula, suing him for R8 million. This comes after the comments Mbalula made on Twitter earlier this year in which he called Niehaus a “thug”. Niehaus says Mbalula’s behaviour should not be tolerated in the ANC.
“Minister Mbalula seems to now be acting with impunity, not only insulting myself but also the Ministers Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Lindiwe Sisulu. Minister Mbalula has been asked many times to shy away from his unwanted behaviour on Twitter and yet he proceeds. The time has come for him to face now the reality that there will be consequences.”
