Godongwana: ANC integrity commission to discuss allegations

On Wednesday, 17 August, the African National Congress (ANC) integrity commission is expected to discuss the allegations of sexual harassment against Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

ANC integrity commission to discuss the matter before calling Godongwana

The allegations arose from a Kruger National Park masseuse who laid a complaint against Godongwana who allegedly ‘fondled’ her. Godongwana has denied the allegations. The incident is alleged to have happened last week when Godongwana and his wife took a private trip to the park.

George Mashamba, the head of the ruling party’s integrity commission, stated that they would deliberate on the allegations against the Finance Minister.

Speaking to TimesLIVE, the Mashamba said the integrity commission had not summoned the Minister to appear before it. However, the meeting will determine whether or not Godongwana should be called.

“There are always discussions about current developments and issues. Comrades from different parts of the country will tell us what [they are]. I have seen snippets [about the allegations], but beyond that, I don’t know, but I think it will crop up tomorrow,”

Mashamba said.

Mashamba noted that he cannot pre-empt matters as it all depends on each case. He explained that the person would have to appear and only after can they discuss and decide to take it to the National Executive Committee.

ANCWL’s calls for swift and effective law enforcement action

The ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) made calls for the ruling party to deal with the matter using its internal processes while police investigate the case against Godongwana. On Monday, the ANCWL’s national task team coordinator Maropene Ramokgopa called on law enforcement to swiftly and effectively deal with this case.

“We call on the law enforcement to deal with the case swiftly and with utmost effectiveness as possible. Our country has increasingly become an unsafe place for women,” said Ramokgopa.

Enoch Godongwana accused of sexual harassment by spa worker

Previously, it was reported that Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, denied the sexual harassment accusations against him. He issued a statement on Saturday stating his awareness of the allegations.

These accusations arrived a week after Godongwana stayed in Skukuza at the Kruger National Park. The spa worker claims Godongwana assaulted her while she was giving him a massage in his room. As of now, the Minster adamantly denies the claim.

His spokesperson, Mfuneko Toyana, said that Godongwana was with his wife – Thandisiwe Gonogwana – at the supposed time of the incident. The Minister himself also spoke on the matter. Read the full story here.