Q&A
Is this going to be different from the old integrity committee?
Yes, but the leadership hasn’t had an opportunity to engage with this integrity committee yet.
How independent are you going to be from the leadership?
That’s something we need to sort out.
Shouldn’t you have sorted it out before accepting the job?
The way we make decisions will be independent, and we’ll be very clear on that.
Could they be overturned by the national executive committee (NEC)?
The way the ANC works is that if you make a decision at a provincial level somebody can appeal to the next level, which is the NEC.
So there’ll be the same evasion and delaying tactics?
There’s a change in culture that has to happen.
Will you do anything about Qedani Mahlangu?
I can’t, before looking at the case, say that the committee has decided on it.
Aren’t you familiar with the case?
Yes, but we have to go through a process.
Didn’t judge Moseneke find she was responsible for the deaths of 140-plus patients?
The report will have to be considered by the committee.
Isn’t it devastating enough for you to act on?
Everybody’s entitled to due process. We have to study the document, ask her to respond, and then make a decision. Otherwise, whatever decision we make will be overturned if it is taken to court.
Isn’t your job to ensure members promote an image of integrity?
Absolutely.
Isn’t it clear that she hasn’t done that?
It may be clear to you …
Isn’t it clear to you?
It may be clear to me as an individual. But as a convener of the committee I must make sure it comes to a conclusion in line with what it sees as integrity. Integrity is about following the processes.
What kind of party elects someone with her record?
The integrity committee can’t account for what members have decided. One of its roles is to engage with members and promote the understanding of integrity.
Is a party that has Mahlangu on its provincial executive committee (PEC) one that takes integrity seriously?
When we consider the matter that is something we’ll be looking at.
Has it damaged the party’s image?
Certainly there has been a lot of controversy. And that issue is something we’ll have to consider.
Are you going to tell the leadership she can’t be on the PEC?
If the committee wishes to act with integrity it must first consider the matter.
When?
It must go through a process.
Is the committee’s appointment about next year’s elections?
No, the Gauteng integrity committee was appointed long ago.
So why didn’t it act against Mahlangu?
It didn’t receive a referral.