Only ANCWL leaders out – ANC

THE ANC has dismissed reports that the ANCWL was disbanded, and confirmed that it was, in fact, only its leadership that had been replaced.

ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) treasurer-general Paul Mashatile said the ANCWL was still intact. Only the leadership had been replaced by a task team, saying that their term of office had expired.

The briefing was held at Luthuli House yesterday following a special session of the NEC on April 24 nd 25.

The meeting focused on the finalisation of discussion documents at the ANC National Policy Conference and 55th National Conference, to be held at in July and December respectively.

The special NEC also dealt with urgent organisational matters, including implementation of the “step-aside” resolution, the ANC Women’s League, and interim structures’ status.

Mashatile said the NEC received report from a task team consisting of convenor Thandi Modise, Nathi Mthethwa and Jenny Schreiner, who has to make recommendations on the status of the ANCWL and its NEC.

“The NEC decided the ANCWL should be disbanded and replaced with a National Task Team (NTT). The NTT must ensure ANCWL structures are in good standing and conferences are held in branches,regions and provinces to ensure the ANCWL National Conference is held on a solid foundation.”

Mashatile said the NEC received a report from national officials on matters arising from the conviction and sentencing of ANCWL president Bathabile Dlamini. She was found guilty of perjury by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court last month.

“The NEC noted that Dlamini has agreed to present herself to the ANC integrity commission. The NEC will await its report,” Mashatile said.

He said in February 2021, the NEC adopted guidelines on the implementation of national conference resolutions on ANC credibility and integrity. It dealt with corruption, fighting crime and the implementation of the “step-aside” resolution

The NEC also adopted proposed terms and conditions regulating the conduct and participation of members, office bearers and public representatives who have stepped aside voluntarily, he said. The special NEC noted that neither these documents explicitly regulate whether members who have stepped aside voluntarily can stand for election to executive structures of the organisation, such as BEC, REC, PEC or the NEC.

“The NEC further noted that a number of members indicted in a court of law, some on very serious charges, accepted nomination for such positions after stepping aside voluntarily, only to step aside again after being elected.

“The NEC noted with concern that this had resulted in confusion and serious reputational damage to the organisation. The NEC reiterated the ANC’s position … our leaders must be above reproach, any misconduct or dishonesty must be dealt with in a serious and consistent manner.”

The NEC agreed any member who had stepped aside voluntarily following a court indictment should not be allowed to stand for a position on a BEC, REC, PEC or NEC. “The step-aside resolution constitutes a groundbreaking element in the renewal of the organisation. As such, it will be subject to ongoing refinement… “

The NEC said when a member steps aside voluntarily they should not avail themselves to be elected to protect the party’s integrity. But once a year there will be a review for someone who steps aside. This, political analyst Professor Dirk Kotze said, would have serious consequences, as it affects high-profile persons like Ace Magashule who did not step aside but was suspended.

The same applies to newly elected chairperson for eThekwini, Zandile Gumede. “They did not say whether Gumede will have to vacate her seat or not.”