Only those charged cannot be nominated
ANC leaders implicated in the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and other probes will not be disqualified from being nominated for leadership in the upcoming ANC elective conference, according to party electoral committee secretary chief Livhuwani Matsila.
This is against the backdrop of President Cyril Ramaphosa facing the unresolved matter of the Phala Phala burglary scandal and presidential contender Dr Zweli Mkhize being dogged by the Digital Vibes scandal.
Implicated by former Bosasa boss Angelo Agrizzi, during his testimony at the commission, for having received cash, groceries, booze and upgrades at her home from the company, is deputy secretary-general nominee Nomvula Mokonyane.
Matsila said clearance for nomination was “determined by ANC electoral rules, which talk to issues if somebody is charged in a court of law”.
“Rules also talk to someone found guilty by the ANC disciplinary committee, whose membership has been temporarily suspended in the past 10 years – also factoring the step-aside,” he said.
“Being implicated in the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture reports and other similar probes are not necessarily part of the ANC process.
“The step-aside applies to those who have been charged in a court of law or found guilty.
By a charge, we mean a court of law, excluding charges laid at a police station, not yet advanced to a court roll. A serious crime is defined as that which could result in a prison sentence of more than six months.”
On the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, Matsila said: “The Zondo commission is not applicable because it is not a court of law and does not result in people stepping aside ... to be excluded from the ANC electoral process.
“The commission does not
charge people, but makes recommendations to be considered by various arms of the state.
“The ANC process has integrity, not influenced by recommendations which are not legally binding. We await due process by the by law enforcement agencies and those with authority on legal matters.”
On voting logistical arrangements during the conference, he explained: “There will be three voting sessions, with the first session seeing delegates voting for
the position of president, national chair, secretary-general and the treasurer-general. There will be another session where they will vote for the deputy president and the deputy secretary-general. The third session will cover voting for the 80 additional members of the national executive committee.
“On each occasion, there will be a moment for delegates to nominate from the floor – depending on whether those who are nominated receive 25% votes from the floor, to make it to the ballot.”