Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) has not ruled out party members who were accused of state capture and corruption, to be chosen as the election candidates for the upcoming national and provincial elections.
As the ANC gears up for the second day of its National Executive Committee (NEC), there are unanswered questions about nearly 100 party members who stand before the party’s integrity commission regarding their role in the state capture report and other ethics-related matters, EWN reported.
ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, said the party would consider every candidate on a case-by-case basis.
“If anyone is on the list, there is a reason that person is left on the list. You are right to scrutinise it and ask questions, and once this process is done, we will be able to clarify the questions you are asking if those individuals happen to be on the [final] list. At the present moment, it’s not really dodging any question, it’s putting the cart before the horse.”
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This afternoon the ANC NEC convenes a special extended NEC meeting which will see the finalization of the National and Provincial List towards the 2024 National General Elections.
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— African National Congress (@MYANC) March 4, 2024
Mbalula said the ANC has completed its consolidation of the Framework on the Integrity Commission and the process was running smoothly and expected to be completed by mid-February. He said all candidates will be approved once the process is finalised, IOL reported.
Among the names on the list includes former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa, Deputy Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo, and former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, The Citizen reported.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, have been cleared for the Phala Phala farm scandal and Bosasa saga, respectively.
ANC electoral committee chair, Kgalema Motlanthe, said members with criminal records and facing disciplinary action will not be considered for candidacy.
“No candidate shall be eligible for nomination if his or her case has been finalised by the integrity commission and the national executive committee has approved and implemented the integrity commission’s recommendation for a suspension of membership or stepping aside from leadership or public office,” he said.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
