Is the ANC's decision to step down a mistake for some in the party? The question arose after ANC NEC member Zizi Kodwa was sworn in as an MP just weeks after appearing in court on corruption charges amounting to R1.6 million.
The swearing in of Kodwa, who faces corruption charges, as a member of the National Assembly has sparked debate over whether to reaffirm the ANC's so-called resignation resolution.
The retirement rules, broadly speaking, require party members facing serious charges to voluntarily step down from office upon indictment until the criminal case has been resolved.
Kodwa recently resigned as minister of sport, arts and culture and also stepped down from his ANC position after his court appearance, in what he said was “strict adherence to the ANC's 55th Congress Renewal Resolutions” and which the party itself confirmed at the time.
“All I can say is that we are aware of it and the ANC exit policy, or the ANC constitution, will come into effect,” ANC national spokesman Malengi Bhengu Motsili said.
However, Kodwa was sworn in as the criminal case had only just begun.
“I am innocent. I don't think the state's case exists but I'm not here to discuss that matter right now. I will discuss the other matters at the appropriate forum when I have time,” Kodwa said.
As a member of parliament, Kodwa is in a key position to hold public office in the seventh administration, but he also faces serious criminal charges that appear to be in direct conflict with the party's renewal plans.
“I think as part of the ANC renewal process, it's definitely going to be a struggle for the ANC to renew itself because the ANC leadership is not an inspiring, spotless bunch as you all know. And it's always just a matter of time when you find out you've done something wrong and been accused of it. But it's clear that the speaker resigned and resigned as an MP when he was accused. It would be very interesting to see Kodwa take up the post,” analyst Lukona Mnguni says.
Meanwhile, Snuki Zikalala of the ANC's alliance partner COSATU and the party's veterans federation expressed disappointment at the recent developments, saying the former was “an ill-considered and rash decision by the ANC which undermines the progressive step down resolution”, a sentiment echoed by Zikalala, adding that it was unacceptable.
The ANC was not immediately available for comment.
