Mabe decries ‘complete disregard for his dignity’
There appears to be a “complete disregard [of] one’s right to dignity“‚ ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said on Tuesday.
Mabe said this in a statement shortly before the ANC was to hold a media briefing after the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) reportedly decided to suspend him and Zizi Kodwa.
“It is not in my nature to entertain slander and to borrow from the novel by the late renowned African writer Chinua Achebe‚ Things fall Apart:
Things indeed seem to be falling apart with what appears to be a complete disregard [of] one’s right to dignity.
“I must now speak for myself and protect my family from further humiliation. I have never sexually harassed anyone and will subject myself to the highest court in the land to prove my innocence.
“I will not allow my name to be used to pursue nefarious agendas whose sole motive is character assassination.”
Mabe and acting ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa face allegations of rape and sexual harassment.
Former North West secretary Dakota Legoete will now act as ANC spokesperson.
Mabe was responding to what he described as “interesting and sensational” reports quoting ANC NWC “insiders” who said that he and Kodwa had been suspended.
Mabe said: “For the record‚ at the time of issuing this public statement, such a matter had not been brought to my attention.”
Business Day reported on Tuesday that Kodwa’s supporters were rallying around him on the basis that the rape allegation‚ were part of a plan to remove him to weaken President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Kodwa has not been charged by the party.
Mabe was cleared of a charge of sexual assault by an internal ANC panel‚ but the complainant warned she would take the matter to the police.
Mabe said his accuser then embarked on a “door-to-door to various media houses” to express her displeasure.
“I wish to reiterate that I respect‚ preserve and uphold the rights of women and have never sexually harassed anyone in my entire life.”