Mbalula defends ANC's step-aside rule

Secretary-general says there is no selective application

- THEOLIN TEMBO and WILLEM PHUNGULA

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula yesterday defended the party against criticism that it has selectively applied its step-aside rule when it comes to the allegations raised against former Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on a leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week.

Mbalula addressed the media during a short break at the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) meeting with the Provincial Executive Committee at the Cape Sun Hotel yesterday.

The meeting forms part of the ANC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts.

Mchunu, who was also present at the ANC’s NWC meeting, faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance that were made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. However, he was not asked to step aside.

The ANC has previously said it welcomes Ramaphosa’s decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu.

However, there were some senior members of the party who questioned the effectiveness of the step-aside rule, saying it only applied to some.

The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions. The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing.