Magaxa welcomes intervention by ANC national leadership

ANC MEMBERS in the Western Cape are reportedly relieved the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) will not be dissolved.

Luthuli House have intervened in the ongoing factional battles in the Western Cape, instructing the party’s provincial chairman, Marius Fransman, and its provincial secretary, Faiez Jacobs, to step aside pending the finalisation of matters against them.

Fransman is currently under investigation by police in a sexual assault case, while Jacobs faces disciplinary charges for allegedly assaulting a researcher.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the party was in the process of appointing two or three members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) as “caretakers” to stabilise the leadership in the province.

The ANC’s provincial deputy chairman, Khaya Magaxa, said no further information was available of who the “caretakers” would be.

“The national office is still busy with the process, they have their own session and will then make an announce- ment,” he said.

Magaxa said the intervention by national leadership was welcomed.

“The provincial executive committee supports the decisions and we view it in a positive light. We were given enough time and space to air our views during Monday’s meeting and now we are all looking ahead.”

Responding to DA leader Patricia de Lille’s statement that the ANC in the province was “under administration”, Magaxa said: “It is mere wishful thinking on the part of the DA.

“Our regions are intact, our branches are functional. Our election campaign focuses on the branches and all our branches are operational.”

Magaxa said the majority within the ANC’s ranks in the province were positive about building unity and continuing with organisational work without having to be involved in the matters affecting two key PEC members.

“There will always be debate and criticism within the party. Our members are free to be critical of each other, but for now our goal is to continue with the organisational work and unseat the DA in all the municipalities in the province.”

However, the public perception of the handling of Jacobs and Fransman’s matters is cause for concern for several members of the Dullah Omar region. Speaking on condition of anonymity, some told the Cape Argus they would prefer caretakers who had no ties to the current leadership in the province.

“We cannot have people running the show if they cause more friction. We are busy causing our own divisions,” one member said.

Others claimed it would be great if the party could consider roping in ANC stalwarts like former finance minister Trevor Manuel.

“We have many experienced leaders in our ranks. It is time that we use that experience and lead with integrity,” another member said.