ANC finds WC provincial secretary guilty of assault

“The ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) has found Western Cape Provincial Secretary, Faiez Jacobs, guilty for fighting with and assaulting former ANC employee, Wesley Seale, at the ANC Provincial office in November last year and suspended him for 18 months,” the ANC said in a statement.

In a 17-page judgement, acting NDC Chairperson, Susan Shabangu, said that the ANC is a voluntary political organisation and “persons join the organisation in the expectation that their physical safety would be respected and protected”.

The ANC said assaulting another member was a very serious act of misconduct.

“Moreover, an act of assault committed in the workplace is seen as very serious because of the harm that is or could be caused to workplace harmony,” said the NDC, which added that “it took into account that Faiez Jacobs regretted his action and is capable of being rehabilitated”.

However, the ANC said in the circumstances of this case, expulsion or outright suspension would be harsh and inappropriate sanctions.

“Consequently, the operation of the 18 month sanction was suspended for a period of 3 years, subject to the condition that should Faiez Jacobs be found guilty of any act of misconduct specified in the ANC Constitution during the next 3 years, the 18 month sanction shall become operative and Faiez Jacobs will be required to vacate his position as the Provincial Secretary of the ANC in the Western Cape.”

The NDC recommended that Provincial Executive Committee, with the support of the National Executive Committee deployees, enlists the help of religious groups and professionals to reinforce unity and strengthen governance in the organisation.