The step-aside policy was adopted at the 54th conference in 2017, but its application has drawn dissatisfaction, deepening divisions among members, with KwaZulu-Natal and the RET faction opposing the policy, calling for it to be scrapped.

ANC youth leader and member of the organisational renewal commission rapporteur, Fasiha Hassan, said all nine provinces have resolved to reaffirm the rule.

Rules must be enforced uniformly

“We have re-affirmed the step-aside resolution of the 54th conference. The future of the ANC and the trust of our people depends on its speedy and uniform implementation,” she said.

“We cannot ask for the trust of our people while deploying people charged with serious crimes.”

She added that every member affected should have their circumstances reviewed every six months, with the party’s disciplinary committee responsible for sticking to the deadlines so as not to “unduly prejudice affected comrades”.

“Ultimately, the conference urged the NEC to ensure regulations are implemented uniformly, impartially and consistently, and not be used to fight fact battles,” said Hassan.

Abuse of rule will be punished

The governing party further committed to publicly dissociating themselves from those that are corrupt, commit serious crimes, and abuse women and children.

Anyone making false allegations against another member will be sanctioned.

“Any instance of abuse of the rule – that is false accusations and malicious accusations – if identified and proven, should be sanctioned to the maximum extent of the law and of the ANC code of conduct.”

She said the ANC was the only party that is transparent in dealing with fraud and corruption and had been “bold” in taking decisions.

Furthermore, said Hassan, the proposed six months review has nothing to do with the work of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which is prosecuting some of the criminal cases, such as that of former secretary-general Ace Magashule.

The Citizen