Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini during 2017 Child Protection Week Closing Ceremony at Lusikisiki college of Education in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. South Africa. 04/06/2017. Photo: Siyabulela Duda / Flickr
Bathabile Dlamini willing to step aside, if asked by ANC
The ANC is under immense pressure to act against Bathabile Dlamini, after a court recently found her guilty of perjury
Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini during 2017 Child Protection Week Closing Ceremony at Lusikisiki college of Education in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. South Africa. 04/06/2017. Photo: Siyabulela Duda / Flickr
ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) President Bathabile Dlamini has no plans to cling to her post, should the governing party ask her to step aside.
Dlamini was found guilty of perjury earlier this month when a judge ruled that she lied under oath. This was in relation to her testimony in her capacity as Social Development Minister during an inquiry into the social grants crisis. Dlamini was blamed for failing to ensure that SASSA was better equipped to take over the handling of social grant payments at the time – when SASSA’s contract with the company Cash Paymaster Services came to an end.
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BATHABILE DLAMINI NOT STEPPING DOWN VOLUNTARILY
The ANC’s contentious step aside policy dictates that members facing criminal charges need to temporarily vacate their posts, pending the finalisation of their cases – those who have been convicted should resign. But Bathabile Dlamini remains in her post and doesn’t seem to plan on resigning anytime soon.
Speaking to SABC News on Thursday, 31 March 2022, Dlamini says she would step aside, but only if she is asked.
“Yes, if I am called to step aside by the officials, I will do so. But also, if the Constitution was very clear on this matter – the resolution of the 54th conference was very clear on the matter, there would be no need for anyone to come and say to me step aside,” she told the public broadcaster.
Dlamini is expected to meet with top ANC officials to discuss her future in the party.
“We are going to meet with her and we are going to have a discussion. I know the media wants to see action now immediately but we are process-driven and we are going to meet with her and we are going to have a discussion with her,” said ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa.
