Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane. (Photo by Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has defended the party's handling of the allegations against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane and rejected calls for him to resign pending an investigation into allegations of wrongdoing.
Mr Mbalula told the media on Friday that Mr Simelane had not been formally charged or convicted by any regulatory body, including Chapter 9 bodies such as the Public Protector.
“At this time, the minister has not been indicted or convicted by any agency,” he said.
“There has never been a precedent for someone who was involved in one or two things during his time as a minister to be forced to resign under the rules, even though he has not been charged.”
Simelane is accused of receiving a R500,000 “loan” from Gundo Wealth Solutions that facilitated an illegal investment by the Polokwane Municipality in the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank in 2016 while he was mayor. are.
She is also a central figure in a series of investigations. news 24 After she was accused of living far beyond her means while mayor of Polokwane.
Simelane has not been charged criminally, but has been invited to the party's integrity committee to explain the allegations.
Mr Mbalula said he needed to receive the integrity commission's report on the former justice minister before considering what action to take.
The ANC's interim regulations require members facing formal criminal charges to temporarily relinquish their positions. Mbalula said the rule only applies if formal legal action is taken.
“If the outcome of these processes yields any recommendations, the ANC will take the necessary steps,” he said.
Simelane's continued presence in the government has drawn criticism from civil society organizations, including military veterans, and ANC members.
Concerns were further heightened after she was transferred to another ministry despite allegations of misconduct.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement on Tuesday night that he had made the executive branch reshuffles “to ensure the effectiveness of the Cabinet in carrying out its mandate” in accordance with its powers under Article 91(2) of the Constitution. .
He did not mention the allegations against Simelane.
Mbalula said the party was mindful of criticism of keeping her in the cabinet and said the party was ready to engage directly with veterans.
“We note the concerns and disapproval of Minister Simelane's reappointment to other departments, especially by our country's veterans,” he said. “We believe the Veterans League should have raised this issue directly with the ANC.”
In response, ANC Veterans Federation president Sunuki Zikakara on Wednesday criticized the move to redeploy Simelane, saying she should have been given special leave.
“The ANC's constitution stipulates that he should resign immediately if he is indicted, but if his name keeps coming up every day, he will no longer be able to focus on repairing the organization itself, which suffered serious damage in the May 29 election. .”
Mr Mbalula admitted the controversy had affected the party's reputation.
“We note the significant burden and impact this matter has on the brand and image of the organization, and the calls from civil society for her to resign pending a full investigation and other legal proceedings.”
He added that the ANC would not interfere in ongoing national investigations and expressed confidence in the independence of relevant institutions.
“We believe and have confidence in the ability of independent agencies to carry out their missions and responsibilities,” he said.
