Mabe, Kodwa removed

Fears ANC brand will be harmed

FEARS of damage to the ANC brand in the build-up to the May 8 elections influenced the ruling party to force its spokespeople to step aside, amid allegations of sexual assault levelled against them.

On Monday, the party’s national working committee (NWC) took the decision after ANC head of presidency, Zizi Kodwa, was accused of drugging and raping a woman, days after the organisation cleared official spokesperson Pule Mabe of sexual harassment charges brought against him by his personal assistant.

Yesterday, ANC Veterans’ League president and NWC member Snuki Zikalala told Independent Media that the decision on Mabe and Kodwa was taken because criminal charges might yet be laid against the pair.

Zikalala said the decision was in line with the Mangaung resolution that once a member was implicated in criminal activities, he or she should step down to attend to their woes.

“This is in alignment with the policy of the ANC,” he said.

Zikalala also said the ANC was worried about its credibility and integrity in society.

“If the NWC did not take that stance, we would lose popularity as a leader of society. It is a question of trying to regain the trust of society,” he said.

“Society can’t trust us if we have spokespersons and faces of the ANC who have this baggage with them. We hope that they are cleared, go to recuperate and then come back to serve the organisation properly,” Zikalala added.

But ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, briefing the media, claimed that Kodwa and Pule voluntarily offered to step aside and the NWC accepted their request.

“It is good leadership when leaders of the ANC, even when they feel that they are innocent, step aside until the allegations have been proven,” he said.

He said the duo remained members of the national executive committee, and Dakota Legoete would continue acting as national spokesperson.

Magashule conceded the damage that could have been caused by sex allegations involving the two, saying “whether there is allegation or facts or not, there are public perceptions”.

He added that whether perceived or real, such matters affected the base of the ANC.

“That’s why we want to give confidence to South Africans to say the ANC stands for truth, fairness (and) support of women. The ANC is against violence (sic) women, men and children,” Magashule said.

Mabe’s accuser refused to comment; Kodwa’s could not be reached. Calls to Kodwa went unanswered. Mabe said: “I have requested the organisation to allow me to extent (sic) my leave and to recover from the strain this episode has subjected me to.”

The stepping aside of Kodwa and Mabe from their positions was welcomed by the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) and SACP.

ANCWL secretary-general, Meokgo Matuba, said they were happy the ANC leadership had acted on the matter.