ANC loyalties split as bigwigs rally around Gordhan
The ANC youth and women’s leagues have called for Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan to resign. But close to a dozen of the party’s national executive committee (NEC) members and alliance partners have defended him, questioning the timing of the fraud charges and pledging to be by the minister’s side in court.
ANC head of economic transformation Enoch Godongwana:
“What he’s been charged with is a standard practice in government. It’s never been considered a crime. A number of us will be marching with all South Africans on November 2 to support Pravin. We can not be silent as South Africans when people who are running good governance are being undermined. The charge is spurious, given the background. Because of that I will not support the call for Pravin to resign.”
ANC NEC member Joel Netshitenzhe:
rade‚ as a cadre of our movement‚ as a disciplined cadre of our movement and as a wonderful finance minister.”
ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize:
“The charges appear thin and are also not convincing but when we get the details, we’ll probably understand. The issues are a bit tricky in the sense that people retire and get brought back. If there was any error in that, it becomes an administrative, internal issue.” — Business Day, October 13
ANC NEC member Max Sisulu: