Hanekom on EFF meeting: It was a very difficult period in SA’s history

Hanekom spoke to journalists shortly after the Kader Asmal Human Rights lecture in Sandton on Wednesday night.

The lecture was delivered by prosecutions head Shamila Batohi. 

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"That was a particularly difficult period in South Africa's history, where the battle and the debates were happening within the ANC itself and there were parts of the ANC that felt very strongly that he (Jacob Zuma) should not step down. 

"Luckily at the NEC meeting in the beginning of 2018, the decision was taken that he should step down and the rest is history," said Hanekom.

Although Hanekom confirmed that he had several meetings with “a prominent EFF member” before Zuma resigned as president, he denies ever handing the EFF a list of MPs who would vote with the opposition. 

"That I certainly did not do. I think there was an assessment of what we are trying to achieve and if we are able to achieve it through parliamentary means. What will be the ANC attitude towards it? That was the nature of discussions.”

"The NPA will be able to restore its credibility only once it gets its own house in order, and delivers an effective service to its clients, especially the victims of crime."