Ramaphosa Magashule

Image via Flickr/GCIS

Ace Magashule to present himself at Integrity Commission – Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa said the ANC NEC meeting took extensive decisions regarding corruption and other forms of wrongdoing.

Ramaphosa Magashule

Image via Flickr/GCIS

President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Tuesday 8 December, confirmed that African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Ace Magashule would submit himself to the party’s integrity commission on Saturday 12 December. 

Ramaphosa delivered the news while summing up the events of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which took place from Sunday to Tuesday. 

Ramaphosa said officials will finalise the guidelines that will be applied in instances where members of the organisation are formally charged with, convicted of or reported to be involved in corruption or other serious crimes. 

The Hawks in the Free State issued Magashule with a warrant of arrest early last month in relation to the controversial R255 million Free State asbestos contract. It is alleged that dodgy dealings took place all while Magashule served as the province’s premier. Magashule made a court appearance at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court shortly after the warrant was issued. 

RAMAPHOSA ON FIGHTING CORRUPTION 

Ramaphosa said the NEC meeting had an extensive discussion on the implementation of the resolutions of Conference and the decisions of the NEC on corruption and other forms of wrongdoing.

“We will fully implement the mandate of the 54th National Conference and the decisions made by the NEC, understanding that these are fundamental to the renewal of the organisation and to the restoration of the credibility of the movement among South Africans,” said Ramaphosa. 

“We will be consistent and even-handed in the application of these decisions and will ensure that fair and due process is followed,” he added. 

It was then that he said the meeting welcomed Magashule’s decision to present himself to the Integrity Commission on 12 December 2020. 

“The officials shall process the outcomes of this engagement and the determination by the Integrity Commission and report to the NWC & NEC,” he said. 

Ramaphosa also said the NEC has agreed to confirm its appreciation for the work of the Zondo Commission under very difficult circumstances.

“We reaffirm our call to all members to cooperate with the Commission, and to refrain from unnecessary attacks on the Deputy Chief Justice and the work he has been tasked by the nation to perform,” Ramaphosa added. 

SOME MEMBERS DAMAGING THE UNITY AND COHESION OF THE NEC AND THE ANC 

Ramaphosa also said there are some members who, “wittingly or unwittingly,” contribute to a public discourse that is damaging to the unity and cohesion of the NEC and the movement.

“As we have said before, we need to desist from public statements that are at variance with the decisions of the structures of ANC and which are likely to fuel division,” he said. 

Ramaphosa then mentioned an incident that allegedly took place outside the Bloemfontein Court during Magashule’s appearance. He said he had heard that some members were burning ANC regalia. He added that it was totally unacceptable. 

“It is unbecoming for us as members to denigrate and desecrate regalia, including sometimes the flag of our organisation,” he said.