ANC NEC to allow appeals on integrity commission rulings
The ANC's national executive committee has decided to allow members accused of corruption or misconduct to appeal decisions made by the party's int
The commission, which handles ethical and political complaints against ANC members, serves as an advisory body to the NEC on issues impacting the party’s public image and reputation.
During the past weekend’s NEC meeting, all reports of the integrity commission for the period 2019 to 2024 were considered.
This includes the report on Justice Minister Thembi Simelane's links to the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
Simelane has come under fire for a R575,000 loan she received from Gundo Wealth Solutions during her tenure as mayor of Polokwane.
She has already appeared before the integrity commission, which will determine whether she can continue in her roles as minister and NEC member in accordance with the party’s "step aside" rule.
The rule compels ANC members facing allegations of wrongdoing to step down from party structures.
The commission also finalised reports of about 90 members implicated in the State Capture Commission.
Former ministers Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, and Cedric Frolick, who have been implicated in corruption scandals, are among those facing scrutiny.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told a media briefing on Tuesday that the changes are part of amendments to the integrity commission's terms of reference.
"The most significant amendments relate to the establishment of an appeals panel that will consider appeals by members and leaders aggrieved by the outcomes of the integrity commission processes and decisions.
“The amendments further provide for the member whose conduct is under the spotlight to be provided with an opportunity to respond to the draft report of the commission.
“Similarly, the final report must be shared with the individual concerned at the same time it is submitted to the secretary-general for consideration by the NEC.
“The NEC equally resolved that members have a right to take the reports of the Integrity Commission on review should they elect to do so.
“These will ensure alignment of the Integrity Commission processes with the rules of natural justice, which are an integral part of our jurisprudence.
“However, it was emphasised that the integrity commission and its work is not essentially about upholding the laws of the country but rather an appeal to a higher bar on leadership and membership obligations with regards to ethical conduct," said Mbalula.
Mbalula added that the integrity commission will not seek to be legally punitive but rather corrective to ensure compliance with ethical conduct.
"Matters of ill-discipline to the extent that the constitution and other policies of the ANC have been violated will continue to belong to the realm of the disciplinary committee, whilst violating the laws of the country have the additional dimension of facing the courts of law.
“The NEC mandated the secretary-general to proceed with speed in establishing the independent panel.”
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