Mkhwanazi's bombshell: ANC urges Ramaphosa to act on 'grave' allegations
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the claims, which touch on state integrity and the fight against crime, must be investigated thoroughly to protect South Africa from descending into lawlessness.
On Sunday, Mkhwanazi made damning allegations against Mchunu, accusing the minister of interfering with police investigations and being an associate of people with questionable characters.
In a media briefing, Mbalula said the allegations touch on the very integrity of the criminal justice system, and the constitutional obligation of the state to protect all South Africans.
'We call upon Ramaphosa to act with the seriousness and urgency this matter demands. The ANC reaffirms its commitment to accountability, non-interference in law enforcement, and the full protection of whistle-blowers, investigators and officers of the law,' Mbalula said.
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ While South Africa's transition to democracy years ago was a landmark event, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges stemming from its past and present realities. 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Next Stay Close ✕ The ANC has previously said it welcomes Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu. However, there were some senior members of the party who questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness, saying it only applied to some. The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions. The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing. A senior member said there was commotion among ANC corridors in Luthuli House because some felt Ramaphosa was selective in the application of the step-aside rule. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mblalula and ANC Western Cape Provincial Chairperson, Cde Vuyiso 'JJ' Tyhalisisu. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Mbalula said there is no such thing as selective application of the step-aside rule. He said once members are arrested or appear in court, then the rule is applied. 'When last did you see people supporting each other going to court with ANC t-shirts? You get arrested, you stand on your own. Step-aside rule applies. Those who vulgarise things shamelessly will say that the rule doesn't apply to Senzo Mchunu, but the president did put him aside, with immediate effect. 'Argue the question of how that has happened, but he is aside. We've got an acting Minister (Gwede Mantashe) who is chairing the meeting today. I've explained, and I'm repeating it again today - Senzo will not step aside in relation to the ANC. He is an elected member. Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile facing the provincial ANC branches in the Western Cape. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane seen speaking to ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe. Seated in front of them are ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers 'He's got an opportunity now, in terms of the audi (alteram partem) principle, to also state his side of the story. Once we listen to that, it is also evaluated in terms of facts by a competent, independent judge, and a judicial commission like the president appointed, then we can pass judgment. 'Let's allow the process to follow; this is what all South Africans look forward to. Even we're looking forward to that. 'The principle of our jurisprudence allows that somebody's story must also be listened to, and that is there is any wrongdoing by him, and all of that, the ANC, in terms of its renewal process, this kicks in,' Mbalula said.'There are many ANC members who are step-aside, who have appeared in court, who have been arrested. 'We are the only party in South Africa that practices things even beyond the jurisprudence. Even Magashule failed to challenge the step-aside rule.' ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe sitting alongside ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, during an interval at Sunday's report back. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Magashule referred to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who went to court to overturn his suspension for failing to step aside after being criminally charged. 'It was affirmed by the Constitutional Court that there was nothing unconstitutional about the step-aside rule because it is entrenched in the ANC constitution itself. 'There is nothing like selective justice, and selective application of the step-aside rule. If you are arrested, you appear before the courts, even before you appear. Once you are arrested, you step aside.' Mbalula also touched on how the NWC's visit to the Western Cape structure is their fifth in a series of visits to provinces, as they seek to strengthen their organisational branches in the region. He said that they have been receiving reports from their visits. President Ramaphosa was in the Boland Region on Saturday as part of their efforts. 'All of us were in different regions (of the province). We interacted with branches that gave us reports, and we are currently processing those reports. Tomorrow (on Monday), the working committee will meet to reflect on the reports and chat on the way forward to strengthen our organisation here in the province.'
