Mbalula defends ANC's step-aside rule

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended the party against criticisms 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 leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

Mbalula, came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee.

This 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 from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

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 step-aside rule and its effectiveness, 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.