The African National Congress (ANC) has distanced itself from allegations of organised criminal activity levelled against controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi, and has confirmed that he is not a member of the party.
“The African National Congress has noted recent allegations that certain individuals, including Mr Oupa Brown Mogotsi, are alleged to be involved in serious organised criminal activity,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bengu-Motsiri said in a statement.
“Our membership records confirm that Mr Mogotsi’s ANC membership has expired. We can now confirm that Mr Mogotsi is therefore not an ANC member.”
The development follows explosive claims made last week by SAPS Crime Intelligence boss, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Khumalo revealed a series of WhatsApp messages allegedly showing how Mogotsi used his ties to the ANC to solicit money from criminals for personal benefit.
It was further alleged that some of the funds were used to finance ANC activities.
Among the claims presented at the commission was that businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala paid hundreds of thousands of rand to Mogotsi in exchange for protection and access to classified SAPS documents.
The ANC, however, rejected any link to these allegations.
“These allegations are deeply concerning – not only for the individuals involved but also for the communities and institutions whose safety, stability and confidence are undermined by criminal syndicates,” said Bengu-Motsiri.
“The ANC wishes to make it clear: we distance ourselves unequivocally from any form of organised criminal activity.”
She said crime and corruption are enemies of development and democracy.
“They corrode the very values for which generations of South Africans sacrificed in the struggle for freedom. The ANC will not allow its name to be associated with those who betray the principles of our movement for personal gain.”
On the issue of membership status and renewal, Bengu-Motsiri explained that anyone implicated in criminal activity will have their membership application processed strictly in line with the ANC Constitution.
“Rule 4.2 provides that membership of the ANC is open to all South Africans over the age of 18 who accept its principles, policies and programmes, and who are prepared to abide by its Constitution and rules,” she said.
She further said that Rule 4.10, allows objections to membership applications to be raised by any member to branch, regional or provincial secretaries.
“Rule 4.11 provides that, at any time before an individual is accepted as a full member – or in exceptional cases even after being admitted – the secretary-general (Fikile Mbalula) may rule that the application or membership be rejected if obtained invalidly.”
She added that Rule 4.16 requires every new member to make a solemn declaration, pledging loyalty to the ANC’s values and committing to serve the people rather than personal enrichment.
Bengu-Motsiri said ANC membership is not only a right but a responsibility that carries solemn duties.
”Rule 5.2.7 requires every member to observe discipline, behave honestly and loyally carry out the decisions of the ANC,” she said.
The party’s Constitution is clear on misconduct, she said.
According to Rule 25.17.4, any unethical or immoral conduct that detracts from the character, values or integrity of the ANC – or brings the party into disrepute – is prohibited.
“Rule 25.17.17 provides that conduct which prejudices the integrity or repute of the organisation – including collaboration with counter-revolutionary forces or groups that undermine the ANC’s mission – is grounds for disciplinary action.”
She described organised crime syndicates as “counter-revolutionary networks” that hollow out institutions, fuel corruption and undermine state capacity.
“No ANC member can be part of such structures and still claim to honour the solemn declaration of membership,” she said.
The ANC vowed to act “firmly and without hesitation” against any member found to be involved in criminal activity.
“Cases will be referred to the Integrity Commission and, where warranted, to the ANC’s disciplinary structures in line with Rule 25. They will also be reported to law enforcement, because no one is above the law.”
Bengu-Motsiri said the party is committed to renewal and good governance.
“The ANC is a liberation movement that has always placed the interests of the people first. We remind South Africans that the ANC is bigger than any individual. Those who betray its values for greed, criminality or factional interests are not acting in the name of the ANC.
“The ANC will continue to renew itself so that, together with the people, we can build a capable, ethical and developmental state that works for all.”
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