The ANC Gauteng coordinator, Hope Papo, has called on other political parties to be like the ANC, and have policies that take disciplinary action against members charged with corruption.
Speaking in Johannesburg on Thursday, Papo stressed that the political system would benefit if all parties introduced policies that discipline members formally charged with corruption—just as the ANC has done through its “step-aside” rule.
“So we encourage all political parties in South Africa to follow the ANC, we are the biggest party, we are doing it, all political parties must do,” he said.
The ANC has implemented a step-aside rule that requires members who are formally charged with corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily withdraw from party and government activities, failing which they may face suspension.
Papo stated some of the party leaders appeared in criminal courts, but they were not charged they are still leading the organisation, while the ANC leaders were ambushed.
But he said in the ANC, stepping aside was mandatory.
Papo has echoed the party’s position on renewal and rebuilding, saying this will be a way for the ANC to reclaim power.
“So, we think that through that policy, we will actually, it will help in renewing the organisation.
“Because ultimately, ANC doesn’t arrest, charge, and convict people. That is why there’s an issue of stepping aside from your leadership positions.
“And a number of our leaders have done so. And sometimes they would have been wrongly accused, but they would have stepped aside. And sometimes they lose leadership positions,” he said.
The provincial co-convener, Panyaza Lesufi, had previously promised to clamp down on corruption and laziness in the party.
Politics
